It's the return of the preseason after a one-year hiatus due to the COVID pandemic. And though Josh Allen and some other starters will not play Friday night, there are plenty of players to keep an eye on in Detroit.
1. Spencer Brown
The rookie third-round pick has seen a tremendous amount of snaps through the first three weeks of training camp with Dion Dawkins on the COVID-reserve list. It has fast tracked the offensive tackle in acclimating himself to the pro game. Friday will be a good litmus test to see just how much progress he has made.
2. Isaiah Hodgins
After essentially redshirting his rookie year due to a shoulder injury that required surgery, Hodgins will be afforded plenty of playing time in the preseason to prove he's worthy of a spot on the roster. Receiver is an ultra-competitive position on this squad, so he'll need to turn in some plays Friday.
3. Efe Obada
Blessed with elite physical traits, the international pathway player has three NFL seasons under his belt. The key for him with the Bills will be exhibiting quality play at both end and tackle on Buffalo's defensive front.
4. Tommy Sweeney
After losing his 2020 season to a late recovery from foot surgery and an extended battle with COVID, Sweeney is an intriguing watch with Lee Smith traded away to Atlanta. The third-year tight end must demonstrate an ability to be a Swiss army knife for Buffalo's offense.
5. Josh Thomas
After a full year on the practice squad as an undrafted rookie, Thomas offers quality athleticism and size for the safety position. He must begin to show playmaking instincts however, if he is to hold off rookie sixth-round pick Damar Hamlin.
Check out photos of the Bills as the team travels for Preseason Week 1 against the Detroit Lions.
Buffalo Bills depart for Detroit, August 12, 2021. Photo by Bill Wippert
Buffalo Bills depart for Detroit, August 12, 2021. Photo by Bill Wippert
Buffalo Bills depart for Detroit, August 12, 2021. Photo by Bill Wippert
Buffalo Bills depart for Detroit, August 12, 2021. Photo by Bill Wippert
Buffalo Bills depart for Detroit, August 12, 2021. Photo by Bill Wippert
Buffalo Bills depart for Detroit, August 12, 2021. Photo by Bill Wippert
Buffalo Bills depart for Detroit, August 12, 2021. Photo by Bill Wippert
Buffalo Bills depart for Detroit, August 12, 2021. Photo by Bill Wippert
Buffalo Bills depart for Detroit, August 12, 2021. Photo by Bill Wippert
Buffalo Bills depart for Detroit, August 12, 2021. Photo by Bill Wippert
Buffalo Bills depart for Detroit, August 12, 2021. Photo by Bill Wippert
Buffalo Bills depart for Detroit, August 12, 2021. Photo by Bill Wippert
Buffalo Bills depart for Detroit, August 12, 2021. Photo by Bill Wippert
Buffalo Bills depart for Detroit, August 12, 2021. Photo by Bill Wippert
Buffalo Bills depart for Detroit, August 12, 2021. Photo by Bill Wippert
Buffalo Bills depart for Detroit, August 12, 2021. Photo by Bill Wippert
Buffalo Bills depart for Detroit, August 12, 2021. Photo by Bill Wippert
Buffalo Bills depart for Detroit, August 12, 2021. Photo by Bill Wippert
Buffalo Bills depart for Detroit, August 12, 2021. Photo by Bill Wippert
Buffalo Bills depart for Detroit, August 12, 2021. Photo by Bill Wippert
Buffalo Bills depart for Detroit, August 12, 2021. Photo by Bill Wippert
Buffalo Bills depart for Detroit, August 12, 2021. Photo by Bill Wippert
Buffalo Bills depart for Detroit, August 12, 2021. Photo by Bill Wippert
Buffalo Bills depart for Detroit, August 12, 2021. Photo by Bill Wippert
Buffalo Bills depart for Detroit, August 12, 2021. Photo by Bill Wippert
Buffalo Bills depart for Detroit, August 12, 2021. Photo by Bill Wippert
Buffalo Bills depart for Detroit, August 12, 2021. Photo by Bill Wippert
Buffalo Bills depart for Detroit, August 12, 2021. Photo by Bill Wippert
Buffalo Bills depart for Detroit, August 12, 2021. Photo by Bill Wippert
Buffalo Bills depart for Detroit, August 12, 2021. Photo by Bill Wippert
Buffalo Bills depart for Detroit, August 12, 2021. Photo by Bill Wippert
Buffalo Bills depart for Detroit, August 12, 2021. Photo by Bill Wippert
Buffalo Bills depart for Detroit, August 12, 2021. Photo by Bill Wippert
Buffalo Bills depart for Detroit, August 12, 2021. Photo by Bill Wippert
Buffalo Bills depart for Detroit, August 12, 2021. Photo by Bill Wippert
Buffalo Bills depart for Detroit, August 12, 2021. Photo by Bill Wippert
Buffalo Bills depart for Detroit, August 12, 2021. Photo by Bill Wippert
Buffalo Bills depart for Detroit, August 12, 2021. Photo by Bill Wippert
Buffalo Bills depart for Detroit, August 12, 2021. Photo by Bill Wippert
Buffalo Bills depart for Detroit, August 12, 2021. Photo by Bill Wippert
Buffalo Bills depart for Detroit, August 12, 2021. Photo by Bill Wippert
Buffalo Bills depart for Detroit, August 12, 2021. Photo by Bill Wippert
Buffalo Bills depart for Detroit, August 12, 2021. Photo by Bill Wippert
Buffalo Bills depart for Detroit, August 12, 2021. Photo by Bill Wippert
Buffalo Bills depart for Detroit, August 12, 2021. Photo by Bill Wippert
Buffalo Bills depart for Detroit, August 12, 2021. Photo by Bill Wippert
