Nathan Peterman gave the Bills offense a spark, leading them on a 10-play, 79 yard scoring drive to open the third quarter but it wasn’t enough in a 26-13 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday.

Peterman took over for Josh Allen, who was evaluated for a head injury in the final minute of the first half, and finished 16 for 21 for 200 yards.

Allen was cleared to return after being evaluated but struggled in his first preseason start behind the Bills offensive line.  The rookie quarterback was sacked five times and completed six of 12 passes for only 34 yards.

Trailing 23-0 in the third, Peterman connected with tight end Jason Croom, who dodge a would be tackler and raced 17 yards for a touchdown.  Travaris Cadet added a one yard score  to pull Buffalo within 23-13.

Defensively, the Bills struggled as well, especially in the passing game.

Andy Dalton completed his first pass of the game to John Ross, who sped past Vontae Davis, for a 57 yard touchdown.

Davis would eventually find himself on the bench for several series before returning to action.

Dalton, who received a standing ovation from fans at the start of the game for his miracle touchdown to Tyler Boyd to help snap a 17-year postseason drought, ended his afternoon 11 of 16 for 180 yards and two touchdowns.  He threw his second score to AJ Green, who was in tight coverage with Tre’ White to give the Bengals a 14-0 lead in the second first quarter.

The Bills’ final preseason game is Thursday when they travel to Chicago.  Kickoff is schedule for 8 p.m.