ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — The Buffalo Bills host the Pittsburgh Steelers in their preseason finale on Thursday, with both clubs evaluating fringe players before the NFL's mandatory cut to 53-man rosters. Kickoff is scheduled for the evening at Highmark Stadium.

Head coach Sean McDermott is expected to rest most starters, including quarterback Josh Allen, giving backups and roster hopefuls extended playing time. The Steelers, under head coach Mike Tomlin, are likely to follow a similar approach as they assess depth at receiver and along the defensive line.

Buffalo entered the week making roster moves, having activated safety Elijah Hicks and linebacker Keyshaun Elliott from the physically unable to perform list. Those decisions signal the front office is nearing final calls on marginal spots, with special-teams contributions expected to influence several borderline choices.

The NFL requires all clubs to reduce rosters to 53 players by the league's deadline shortly after the preseason concludes. Performances on Thursday will carry direct consequences, as coaching staffs weigh late auditions against players already established on the depth chart.

Following the game, waived players will become available for other teams to claim. Both franchises are expected to pursue additions before Week 1 of the regular season.