Sean McDermott has never been one to act impulsively with his franchise quarterback. Josh Allen has made a career out of trusting his arm and legs and trusting that his head coach will put him in the optimal position to win. But last month, that trust was shaken. A ruling by McDermott risked disrupting Allen’s preseason groove. He didn’t play in the team’s 34-25 loss to the New York Giants in their preseason opener. That caused subdued alarm within the Bills’ complex.

Allen, who lives on timing and chemistry work reps, found himself gazing at a strategy that didn’t align with his competitive nature. A reversal of course by McDermott, abandoning the initial plan and returning Allen to his preseason load as Buffalo prepares for its next series of practices. It’s something being interpreted as both a vote of confidence and an acknowledgment that reps, not rest, are what fuel Allen’s success. “He is the face of our organization. He’s the leader of our team,” Sean had said earlier in May. For Allen, it’s a welcome adjustment. One that may prove valuable when the season resumes in September.

This move isn’t without risk. Any increase in a quarterback’s preseason workload carries the chance of injury in otherwise low-stakes games. Yet McDermott’s about-face suggests the benefits outweigh the dangers. The Bills’ offense thrives on masterful timing—Allen’s pinpoint deep balls, his chemistry with teammates, and his ability to improvise on broken plays. Rest may preserve his body, but it won’t sharpen those split-second decisions that define championship drives.

Josh Allen’s value to Buffalo is immeasurable. Since becoming the starter in 2018, he’s lifted the Bills from playoff hopefuls to perennial contenders. Multiple AFC Championship appearances and 40-plus total touchdowns in five straight seasons only scratch the surface of his impact. He’s Buffalo’s engine—equal parts rocket-armed passer and bull-rushing runner. Without him in rhythm, the Bills’ identity changes entirely. This is as much about preserving the team’s culture as it is about tweaking the playbook.

Josh Allen’s Bills make roster moves

The Bills’ front office has been working quietly to overhaul the depth chart in preparation for the regular season. There has been a whirlwind of activity throughout August. Both with signings and releases, that suggests one final push to complete the 53-man roster.

On August 14, Buffalo signed DE Nelson Ceaser to a contract and waived/injured WR Jalen Virgil and DE Justin Hollins. A day before, RB James Cook inked a four-year contract extension, solidifying his position as a long-term asset to Allen. Cook’s ability to rush and receive has made him a key component in offensive coordinator Joseph Brady‘s plans.

The front office responded deeply to the secondary and special teams, too. They signed safety Tre Herndon and waived TE Matt Sokol. That was a follow-up to the earlier signing of placekicker Caden Davis on August 8 after releasing WR Kelly Akharaiyi. At linebacker, the Bills signed Jimmy Ciarlo on August 6 and addressed some roster shuffling with Baylon Spector, who ended up being placed on injured reserve.

The signings are proof that Buffalo is mindful of building a roster that can endure the grueling pace of a full season. Depth and injury concerns sabotaged promising seasons in years past. And GM Brandon Beane appears determined not to repeat the error. From enhancing the pass rush in Ceaser to giving Allen a solid arsenal of weapons and o-line coverage. Buffalo’s transactions point to a team eyeing beyond Week 1 and into a long postseason stretch.

Buffalo is all in for 2025. However, the risks are high, the margins razor-thin, and every decision from a quarterback’s preseason reps to a mid-August free agent signing may be the difference between an NFL playoff appearance and a Super Bowl championship parade.