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The first week of the 2026 NFL preseason kicked off Thursday, giving us our first look at rookies and players making debuts with new teams.
To keep you updated on how teams fared, our NFL Nation reporters are summarizing the games below.
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Steelers: Welcome to the NFL (kind of), rookies! The Steelers’ rookie class had a solid showing in their preseason debut behind quarterback Drew Allar, who led the Steelers to three touchdowns in his first appearance Thursday night.
The third-rounder’s first came on third-and-7 in the third quarter when he connected with fourth-round receiver Kaden Wetjen for a 74-yard catch-and-run. Two plays later, Allar kept the ball on a read-option and ran it into the end zone for a three-yard score. Allar and Wetjen connected again midway through the fourth quarter, this time in the end zone on a 5-yard touchdown. He put a bow on the night with a third touchdown on a 4-yard pass to rookie FB Riley Nowakowski.
Playing with the first team, second-round wide receiver Germie Bernard also showed off his yards after catch ability with a 25-yard catch-and-run in the first half. Defensively, sixth-round defensive end Gabriel Rubio stood out with six tackles. — Brooke Pryor
Next game: vs. New York Jets (Aug. 21, 7 p.m. ET, NFL Network)
Packers: Rookie second-round pick Brandon Cisse looks comfortable as a starting cornerback. New defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon isn’t afraid to blitz. And veteran free agent receiver Skyy Moore looks like an upgrade as a punt returner (and might also be able to help on offense). But perhaps more importantly, after some shaky practices, rookie kicker Trey Smack came through in a big way. Officially, Smack made field goals of 37, 58 and 38 yards. He also nailed another 58-yarder, but a Steelers penalty gave the Packers a first down, so coach Matt LaFleur took the points off the board. First-year QB Kyle McCord (12-for-14, 102 yards) had a strong showing. — Rob Demovsky
Next game: at Denver Broncos (Aug. 21, 9 p.m. ET, NFL Network)
Bengals: Of all the newcomers who played in the preseason opener, a couple rookies had some very bright moments. DE Cashius Howell, the team’s second-round pick, took advantage of a slick ball and recovered a fumble on a botched handoff. And WR Colbie Young, the team’s fourth-round selection, had a couple of nice catches in the first half against the Lions. Howell has had a strong camp and continued on Thursday with one QB pressure in his nine snaps, per Next Gen Stats. — Ben Baby
Next game: vs. vs. Bears (Aug. 22, 7 p.m. ET)
Lions: After the sudden retirement of veteran QB Teddy Bridgewater during training camp, all eyes turned to rookie Luke Altmyer, who got the start in his preseason debut.
Altmyer, an undrafted free agent out of Illinois, went 13-for-21 for 130 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions in a solid performance.
The Lions also signed backup QB Joshua Dobbs to a one-year deal earlier this week, in the wake of Bridgewater’s retirement as he returns for a second stint in Detroit. Dobbs entered the game in the second quarter, splitting snaps with Altmyer in the first half, ending with 32 passing yards. He completed 4 of 8 attempts as they compete for the QB2 spot behind Jared Goff.
Blake Miller, the 17th overall pick of the draft, also made his debut, starting at right tackle, where he got off to a strong start this preseason. — Eric Woodyard
Next game: vs. Commanders (Aug. 22, 12 p.m. ET)
Patriots: Seventh-round RB Jam Miller (Alabama) was the rookie headliner, which was timely as the competition for the team’s No. 3 RB took an unexpected twist when the Patriots placed leading candidate Terrell Jennings on injured reserve before the game. The 5-foot-10, 209-pound Miller started and ran hard, totaling 55 yards on 14 carries (3.9 YPC.) and now might have the inside track on the RB3 role. Elsewhere, first-round pick Caleb Lomu started at right tackle and was called for a borderline ineligible man downfield penalty that negated a big play. — Mike Reiss
Next game: vs. Philadelphia Eagles (Aug. 22, 7 p.m. ET, NFL Network)
Colts: Rookie linebacker Bryce Boettcher (three tackles) made an obvious impact in his first pro action, showing he can handle responsibilities while still bringing the physicality he’s shown throughout camp. The fourth-round pick’s continued development is a great sign for a linebacking corps with many questions.
Fifth-round pick George Gumbs Jr. had two tackles and a sack as he continues his bid to carve out a role in the defensive end rotation. Relatedly, Caden Curry, another rookie pass rusher, had a sack on an impressive inside move, a team-high five tackles, two TFLs and two pass deflections, as he makes a bid for a roster spot.
Finally, third-round selection A.J. Haulcy played fast from his safety position, showing versatility in playing the single-high role and at strong safety in the tackle box. — Stephen Holder
Next game: vs. Atlanta Falcons (Aug. 22, 7 p.m. ET)
Arizona Cardinals at Las Vegas Raiders (8:00 p.m. ET)
Los Angeles Chargers at Houston Texans (8:00 p.m. ET)
Tennessee Titans at San Francisco 49ers (9:00 p.m. ET)
Denver Broncos at Atlanta Falcons (7:00 p.m. ET)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at New York Jets (7:00 p.m. ET)
Miami Dolphins at Washington Commanders (7:00 p.m. ET)
Carolina Panthers at Buffalo Bills (1:00 p.m. ET)
Minnesota Vikings at New York Giants (1:00 p.m. ET)
Cleveland Browns at Chicago Bears (1:00 p.m. ET)
Los Angeles Rams at Kansas City Chiefs (4:00 p.m. ET)
Jacksonville Jaguars at New Orleans Saints (4:00 p.m. ET)
Philadelphia Eagles at Baltimore Ravens (7:00 p.m. ET)
Dallas Cowboys at Seattle Seahawks (8:00 p.m. ET)
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