For the members of the Buffalo Bills squarely on the roster bubble, tonight’s preseason finale against the Pittsburgh Steelers represents the last opportunity to make their case that they deserve a spot on Buffalo’s official 53-man roster.
Following tonight’s game, the Bills and the other 31 NFL teams will have until 6 p.m. ET on Sunday, Aug. 30 to trim their rosters down to 53 players, which means there’s still plenty at stake and plenty of reasons for fans to tune in when the Bills and Steelers play at 7 p.m. at Highmark Stadium.
Today’s edition of Buffalo Rumblinks leads off by previewing the key players and positional battles to watch when Buffalo and Pittsburgh square off this evening.
Check out the assessments and then be sure to let us know in the comments section what you will be watching for when the Bills play their last preseason game.
CLEVELAND, OHIO - AUGUST 22: Frank Gore Jr. #20 and Mecole Hardman Jr. #1 of the Buffalo Bills celebrate after a nine-yard touchdown catch by Hardman Jr. during the second quarter of a preseason game against the Cleveland Browns at Huntington Bank Field on August 22, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images)
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What can Bills fans expect in Week 3 of preseason?
Bills quarterback Josh Allen will not play against the Steelers tonight, but some of his fellow starters will be on the field when Buffalo concludes the preseason portion of its schedule. Which starters will play and for how long they will play remains to be seen, as head coach Joe Brady was noncommittal when asked about the topic earlier in the week.
“There will be some guys who are starters that are going to be playing in the game,” said Brady ahead of Tuesday’s practice. “That’s going to be kind of a thing we’re going to talk about after today’s practice.”
We run through some of the players we’re excited to watch in Week 3—a list that includes outside linebacker Mike Danna (pictured below), defensive lineman Zane Durant, safety Jalon Kilgore, inside linebacker Keonta Jenkins, and wide receiver Dane Pettis—and highlight the positional battles to track in the preseason finale.
We also get 53-man roster predictions from several Bills beat writers and share how fans can follow along with tonight’s action from the comfort of their home.
ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - AUGUST 15: Joshua Gray #67 of the Carolina Panthers looks to make a block on Mike Danna #51 of the Buffalo Bills during a game at Highmark Stadium on August 15, 2026 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images)
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Brady: Some starters will play in Thursday’s preseason finale - WGR 550
5 players to watch in Bills vs. Steelers | Preseason Week 3 - BuffaloBills.com
Ahead of preseason finale, these are the Bills’ three biggest positions battles - Buffalo News (subscription required)
Bills position battles enter final act before cutdown day - Democrat & Chronicle
Three Most Intriguing Players to Watch in Bills’ Final Exhibition vs. Steelers - Sports Illustrated Buffalo Bills
Three Bold Predictions for Buffalo Bills’ Preseason Finale vs. Steelers - Sports Illustrated Buffalo Bills
Who’s on the Bills’ roster bubble? 14 players fighting for the final 4 or 5 spots - The Athletic (subscription required)
2026 Buffalo Bills 53-man roster projection: Tough calls define the final 53 - newyorkupstate.com
Projecting the Bills’ roster: Who will make the final 53-man lineup? - ESPN.com Buffalo Bills blog
Seven Bills’ Veterans Potentially On Chopping Block Come NFL Cutdown Day - Sports Illustrated Buffalo Bills
Where to watch, stream & listen | Bills vs. Steelers | Preseason Week 3 - BuffaloBills.com
What channel is Bills vs Steelers on tonight? Time, TV, streaming - Democrat & Chronicle
Even more Bills news
Examining how new defensive tackle Greg Gaines (pictured below) is adjusting to life with the Bills. Plus, “Buffalo” Joe Andreessen is showcasing his skills to the Bills’ new defensive coaches; get to know Buffalo’s newest member of the offensive line; and more!
CLEVELAND, OHIO - AUGUST 22: Running back Raheim Sanders #35 of the Cleveland Browns is tackled by Greg Gaines #97 of the Buffalo Bills during the second quarter of the preseason game at Huntington Bank Field on August 22, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
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Bills DL Greg Gaines acclimates quickly to Buffalo defense - Buffalo News (subscription required)
Joe Andreessen proved to new Bills coaches that he’s a ‘really good football player’ - Buffalo News (subscription required)
Josh Allen, the jokester: Stories of the QB’s wit from the locker room, field and sky - ESPN
Buffalo Bills make roster move while banged up at center - Buffalo News (subscription required)
Bills sign Buffalo-born C Sincere Haynesworth - BuffaloBills.com
Bills Prepare for Preseason Finale By Signing OL Reinforcement, Cut Ex-Chiefs’ WR - Sports Illustrated Buffalo Bills
Bills, Steelers and 3 more teams the NFL Projection Model struggled to forecast - The Athletic (subscription required)
Legendary Bills Broadcaster Argues Joe Brady Could Hold Buffalo Back From Super Bowl - Sports Illustrated Buffalo Bills
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