The Bills starters played a fair amount of football in Buffalo’s preseason opening win against the Carolina Panthers, but they may not see the field against the Browns.
According to Browns head coach Todd Monken, with the clubs taking part in a joint practice on Thursday in Berea, Ohio ahead of the second preseason game for both teams, there has been a gentlemen’s agreement between him and Bills head coach Joe Brady:
Todd Monken said the Browns’ starters will get extensive action in Thursday’s joint practice against the Bills’ starters.
— Daniel Oyefusi (@DanielOyefusi) August 17, 2026
Monken said he and Buffalo coach Joe Brady agreed that if they get what they want out of the practice, they won’t play the starters in the preseason game. pic.twitter.com/TUY05BIaeW
Given the amount of reps the first-team offense and defense for Buffalo and Cleveland can get during the joint practice on Thursday, this is a sensible decision, particularly because said joint practice features a significantly more controlled — and thereby safer — environment for everyone involved on the field.
There’ll be plenty of one-on-one reps for cornerbacks and wide receivers and offensive and defensive linemen. Team drills will ensue as well — 7 on 7 and 11 on 11.
Of course, we don’t know exactly what each coach wants to get out of practice and if that will be agreed upon at its conclusion. However, it’s leaning toward no first-team players when the Bills and Browns suit up for preseason game No. 2 this upcoming Saturday.
Do you think that’d be the smart decision?
I do.