The Buffalo Bills have had a tumultuous 2024 preseason, marked heavily by a series of injuries that have challenged the depth and resilience of the team. Their preseason games against formidable opponents like the Chicago Bears and Pittsburgh Steelers revealed vulnerabilities as multiple key players were sidelined for extensive periods. The injury plague was so severe that the team took emergency measures by signing quarterbacks Ben DiNucci and Anthony Brown after losing Shane Buechele and Mitch Trubisky to a neck injury and a knee injury, respectively.
As the Bills squared off against the Carolina Panthers in what was the last preseason game, the primary mission was clear: escape further injuries. They managed to achieve this goal, a silver lining as they shifted their sights to the regular season, starting with a match against the Arizona Cardinals.
Despite a 31-26 defeat to the Panthers, which left the Bills with a 1-2 record in the preseason, there was a standout performer in quarterback Ben DiNucci. Thrust into the starting role, DiNucci demonstrated poise and control, notably connecting with running back Darryton Evans on an 18-yard touchdown pass that temporarily put the Bills ahead 11-7 in the second quarter. Before being benched to avoid risks, DiNucci completed 11 of his 15 passes for 76 yards and that single touchdown, solidifying his potential value to the team.
Bills coach Sean McDermott lauded DiNucci after the game. “DiNucci just looked like he was in command and not fazed by anything,” McDermott expressed to Bills reporter Chris Brown.
Despite his late entry and limited practice time, DiNucci’s calm execution against Carolina contrasted his four-day crash course in the Bills’ playbook the previous week. Given Mitch Trubisky’s uncertain recovery timeline, DiNucci not only vies for a practice squad position but possibly a more permanent spot as backup quarterback to Josh Allen if Trubisky’s knee doesn’t hold up.
As General Manager Brandon Beane approaches the difficult roster decisions for the upcoming season, DiNucci’s recent performances present a compelling argument for his inclusion, at least in some capacity, as the Bills navigate a laborious injury landscape.