ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (WIVB) — The Bills are exploring options for quarterback depth after learning that third-string quarterback Shane Buechele sustained a neck injury in Saturday’s preseason opener and will be out for an extended period of time, coach Sean McDermott said.
Buechele, a third-year pro in his first season with Buffalo, was able to finish the exhibition game after hurting his neck during the 33-6 loss against Chicago. Buechele was 6 of 10 passing for 53 yards and an interception, and took six sacks for a loss of 28 yards. He was the Bills’ leading rusher with 22 yards on three scrambles.
“I give him a lot of credit man,” McDermott said. “He toughed it out.”
The Bills also will be without wide receiver Bryan Thompson for at least a week because of a hamstring injury, McDermott said.
Defensive tackle Ed Oliver practiced Monday after getting hurt on the first defensive snap against the Bears. The Bills also got receivers Mack Hollins and Justin Shorter, running back Ty Johnson and rookie linebacker Edefuan Ulofoshio back on the practice field after they the preseason opener with injuries.
McDermott declined to say how much Josh Allen and the Bills starters will play in the second preseason game Saturday at Pittsburgh. The Bills will hold a joint practice with the Steelers on Thursday.
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Jonah Bronstein joined the WIVB squad in 2022 as a digital sports reporter. The Buffalonian has covered the Bills, Sabres, Bandits, Bisons, colleges, high schools and other notable sporting events in Western New York since 2005, for publications including The Associated Press, The Buffalo News, and Niagara Gazette. Read more of his work here.