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The rise to the top of the depth chart has been slow and steady thus far in the preseason for Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen. However, he has taken significant strides in his performance over the past couple of weeks.
As a result, Allen has garnered reps with the first-team offense in practice. According to NFL.com's Jeremy Bergman, he will also get the starting nod against the Cincinnati Bengals this week:
The team announced on Monday that the rookie quarterback will start Buffalo's all-important third preseason game against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday.
The update is undoubtedly indicative of how well Allen has progressed in the preseason. However, there is no denying that quarterback AJ McCarron's recent injury played a part in the decision. McCarron had apparently suffered a fractured collarbone against the Cleveland Browns before reports later revealed he had avoided any serious damage and is now listed as day-to-day.
McCarron's absence will clear the way for Allen to potentially establish himself as the clear-cut starter. The rookie has looked the part through the first two preseason games. He has completed 18 of 32 passes for 176 yards and two touchdowns while tacking on 47 rushing yards during that span. Allen will now have a chance to showcase his potential with the Bills planning to give him the lion's share of snaps with the starters on Sunday.
Buffalo's decision to trade up and select him with the seventh overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft draft came with mixed reviews. That said, it will be interesting to see if Allen is able to keep the starting job by the time the regular season rolls around.
