Meanwhile, it’s another showcase opportunity for players jockeying for position on the depth chart, or scrapping for final roster spots.

Here are five of the most important story lines to follow in this game.

1. Running back situation: Matt Jones will not play the remainder of the preseason, and third-down back Chris Thompson won’t suit up Friday either. So this represents a golden opportunity for their teammates. Rob Kelley, the undrafted rookie out of Tulane, is expected to get the start after promising performances as a backup. Fellow rookie Keith Marshall, the seventh-round pick out of Georgia, has struggled to stand out. But he’ll get plenty of opportunities to prove himself as well. And don’t count out Mack Brown, the 2015 practice squad member, who has also had some bright spots this preseason. The team will likely carry three running backs on the 53-man roster, so the brightest back Friday night very well could lock up his job security.

2. Cousins and Co. in action: This is only the second game of the preseason for Kirk Cousins and his top pass-catchers, Pierre Garcon and DeSean Jackson, and it’s the first preseason game for both tight end Jordan Reed and left tackle Trent Williams. The offense has looked good in practice, but the players look forward to an opportunity to test themselves against an unfamiliar opponent at game speed. Cousins completed all five pass attempts in the preseason opener and looks to remain sharp against the Bills.

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3. Defensive line roles: This picture remains murky. So far, Ziggy Hood has stood out more than fellow offseason addition Kendall Reyes, but the two continue to compete with holdover Ricky Jean Francois for the starting right end spot. The roles in the nickel packages remain up for grabs as well. Chris Baker will start at left end in the base packages and see a lot of action in the nickel. But Hood, Jean Francois, Reyes and possibly Stephen Paea will all be trying to distinguish themselves. Paea has been quiet, but recorded a sack last week and needs a strong showing to solidify his spot on the team. Keep an eye on young end Anthony Lanier — a 6-6, 282-pound undrafted player out of Alabama A&M, who has impressed coaches so far this preseason.

4. Inside linebacker competition: Mason Foster and Perry Riley Jr. continue to compete for a linebacker job inside, although it seems that Foster has a leg up. Su’a Cravens could get some first-team action and make things even more interesting. Meanwhile, Terence Garvin and Carlos Fields will try to turn some heads both on defense and special teams. If either of them can, then Washington brass might decide it doesn’t need both Foster and Riley. Will Compton and Martrell Spaight seem like locks at the other ILB spot, and you know Cravens will make the team. So that leaves two spots: possibly the winner of the Foster/Riley competition and one of the special teams standouts — or both Foster and Riley, if neither of the others shows enough.