The first round of cuts is fast approaching on Tuesday, when the Bills and 31 other NFL teams must reduce their roster to 75. With jobs on the line Saturday night, Buffalobills.com gives you five players to closely watch for tonight's preseason game against the Bengals.
1 – OLB Antonio Coleman –Coleman like most of the outside linebackers on the roster is a converted defensive end. He's shown improvement in coverage, but it's his explosive first step that's going to get him the most consideration for a roster spot come next week. His performance on special teams will also be critical.
2 – DL Rashaad Duncan –The defensive lineman has spent most of his time as a defensive end, and for the most part he's proven to be pretty stout at the point of attack. He's caught in a numbers game at a position with a lot of proven veterans and high draft choices, but a good showing could help his cause.
3 – TE J.P. Foschi –Foschi might be new to the Bills, but not to Chan Gailey and his offensive scheme, after playing in versions of it at Georgia Tech and in Kansas City. The tight end said he'll have the system down in about 10 days, which is a good thing for Buffalo's offense because he's going to be playing a prominent role alongside Jonathan Stupar to start the regular season.
4 – WR James Hardy –The hard luck wideout is expected to play, but his time will be limited so soon off of injury. He'll have to flash on at least a handful of plays in the time he's allotted tonight to keep pace with the younger receivers that have performed admirably in his absence.
5 – CB Ellis Lankster –The second-year cornerback needs to have a strong bounce back performance after getting victimized on a couple of deep balls in Toronto, including a long touchdown. He needs to make some plays if he's to challenge for any significant playing time in Buffalo's subpackages.
