The Buffalo Bills are preparing for their second home game of the 2021 regular season. The Bills host The Washington Football Team this Sunday at 1 pm at Highmark Stadium.

The week 3 game will be an important one, not just for players on the field, but for fans attending the game as well.

This Sunday's game will mark the first time that the vaccine mandate will be in effect at Highmark Stadium.

Fans 12 years of age or older must have at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine completed. There will be no test-out option. Fans under 12 attending the game must wear a mask.

The vaccine requirement was announced two weeks ago by Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz and Pegula Sports and Entertainment. The mandate will be fully vaccinated by October 31st; meaning that you must have both doses of either Pfizer or Moderna completed, or one dose of Johnson & Johnson.

Fans attending the game will have to show proof of vaccination to enter Highmark Stadium: these acceptable forms of proof include a physical vaccine card, Excelsior pass, clear digital vaccine card, or a government-issued vaccine proof (non-New York State residents).

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The traffic was extremely bad before the home opener against Pittsburgh, and even though it shouldn't be quite "as" bad this Sunday, you can likely expect heavy traffic and a long delay getting to the parking lots around Highmark Stadium. It's best to leave early.

A far as the actual game goes, the Bills are dealing with a few injuries.

Five players were limited at practice on Thursday:

  • Gabriel Davis (ankle)
  • Micah Hyde (neck)
  • Dane Jackson (knee)
  • Star Lotulelei (groin)
  • Levi Wallace (knee)

Defensive end Efe Obada was a full participant at practice. He's been dealing with a  calf injury.

The hope is that defensive tackle Star Lotulelei can play on Sunday. He's been dealing with both calf and groin injuries.

The Bills offense will be playing against one of the best defensive lines in the NFL, led by Pro Bowl defensive end Chase Young. The Bills had trouble with Pittsburgh's defensive front in week 1, so they will have to be better against Washington.

Washington will be starting Taylor Heinicke at quarterback since starter Ryan Fitzpatrick is on the IR with a hip injury. Heinicke has a completion percentage of 73 percent and a passer rating over 100 after the first two games of the season.

The Bills host Washington at 1 pm this Sunday at Highmark Stadium.

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