In one sense. … The Buffalo Bills are no different than any other team.
Instead of playing their starters during the preseason, the organization has opted to focus its efforts on joint practices with other teams on the eventual scheduled.
It's a good way for teams to control all the variables instead of putting their players in harm's way during “exhibition” games.
And so …
The Bills announced they will have joint practices with the Chicago Bears this preseason.
Outside of the normal reason of keeping a safe environment for their stars, the Bills also use joint practices to do something else during the grueling month of training camp.
"Give them some different people to go against, some different schemes, some different defenses," general manager Brandon Beane said of joint practices. "That's what our plan will be, to go there and have one legit practice with them."
Buffalo's decision to hold joint practices this preseason suggests that they might not be playing their starters in any of the upcoming preseason games. This will also allow them to see how some of their young players perform against an up-and-coming team.
So long as there aren't many fights or injuries, the Bills will continue to use joint practices to determine who will make the 53-man roster. …
And ensure their top players are healthy enough to kick the season off a few weeks later.