North Charlotte Today

The Panthers are set to travel to the northeast this weekend for another preseason game, this time against the Buffalo Bills. Historically, the Panthers have struggled against the Bills, holding a 2-6 all-time record. Carolina is 1-2 at home and 1-4 on the road in Buffalo. The two teams concluded the preseason against each other in 2022, with the Panthers securing a 21-0 victory.

The Bills announced on Monday that their starters would not play this Saturday versus the Panthers. Head coach Sean McDermott explained that injuries prompted this decision, deviating from his original plan to start his first-string players. Notable absences include receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling (neck) and tight end Quintin Morris (shoulder), both of whom will be out for multiple weeks. Additionally, safety Damar Hamlin, safety Terrell Burgess, and receiver Curtis Samuel are among those not practicing.

Conversely, the Panthers announced Thursday that their starters will play after sitting out the first two weeks of preseason games. The Bills did play their starters in their first preseason game and all but Josh Allen against the Steelers last week.

Rookie receiver Keon Coleman has quickly become a fan favorite for his personality and affinity for winter coat sales at Macy's. However, Coleman's lack of targets and limited production has sparked debate among fans. Through two weeks, Coleman has two receptions on six targets for 20 yards. Against the Steelers, he missed a potential touchdown catch but acknowledged he should have caught it.

With Valdes-Scantling and Samuel both sidelined, Coleman's snap count is expected to remain high on Saturday. His big-play ability will provide a crucial test for the Panthers' defense as they evaluate options at the starting corner position opposite Jaycee Horn.

No starters also means quarterback Josh Allen will sit out. Backup QB Mitch Trubisky (knee) is also unavailable for several weeks. The Bills signed Ben DiNucci ahead of their second preseason game; he was initially their only available quarterback until they signed former Oregon quarterback Anthony Brown.

DiNucci is likely to start against the Panthers after playing last week against the Steelers, going 3-5 for 20 yards. Brown last appeared in two regular-season games with the Baltimore Ravens in 2022, completing 22 of 49 passes for 302 yards and two interceptions during those games. He was most recently with the Las Vegas Raiders.