Panthers to play starters against Bills on Saturday

Orchard Park, N.Y. (WGR Sports Radio 550) - We've known for several days that the Buffalo Bills will not be playing their starters against the Carolina Panthers when the two teams meet for their preseason finale on Saturday at Highmark Stadium.

We learned on Thursday that the Panthers are expected to play their starters in the contest.

"That's my hope," said Panthers head coach Dave Canales on Thursday. "My hope is to get the starters out there early in the game."

Canales adds he values them getting the experience of having to prepare for a 1 p.m. ET kickoff.

As the Bills held their final official training camp practice at Highmark Stadium on Thursday morning, a few new names were added to the injury list.

Safety Terrell Burgess strained his hamstring, while offensive lineman Will Clapp is in concussion protocol. Neither participated in Thursday's practice.

In addition, cornerback Taron Johnson did not practice with a quad injury, but head coach Sean McDermott said prior to the session that was more of a preventative measure.

Safety Mike Edwards, who returned to practice in a limited capacity on Wednesday, did more on Thursday, and said he believes he'll be ready to play Week 1 of the regular season against the Arizona Cardinals.