Multiple NFL Teams Sit Starters in Preseason Finales

Several NFL teams are choosing to rest their starters in the final week of the preseason to prioritize health and focus on the regular season. The Buffalo Bills announced that Josh Allen will not play in their last preseason game, marking the first time he finishes the preseason without an appearance, as they prepare for a tough Week 1 matchup against Baltimore. Similarly, the Cincinnati Bengals will sit their starters, including Joe Burrow, against the Colts, focusing instead on evaluating players competing for roster spots, with notable battles at defensive tackle and wide receiver positions. The New York Jets will also keep most starters out of their preseason finale versus the Philadelphia Eagles, giving younger and fringe players a chance to prove themselves before roster cutdowns. This approach reflects a league-wide trend of minimizing injury risk to key players while using the final preseason games to assess depth and developmental talent. Coaches emphasize the importance of protecting starters and using practice and early preseason reps to prepare for the regular season.