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Week 2 of the 2026 NFL preseason kicked off Thursday, giving us more insight into position battles and the push to make 53-man rosters before the cut-down deadline Aug. 30. Action began with two games Thursday before Friday’s three games, with severe weather rolling through Jacksonville late in the fourth quarter — causing league and team officials to end the game because of lightning at the two-minute warning.
Things continued Saturday with 10 games, including Cleveland Browns QB Deshaun Watson’s first home game since tearing his right Achilles tendon in October 2024 and a game in which he was met with loud boos, and Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy getting “banged up” during a rough first quarter in a loss to the Ravens.
And Sunday’s game wraps up the weekend with the Seattle Seahawks at the Tennessee Titans (8 p.m. ET, Fox).
Our NFL Nation reporters picked out what you need to know about big roster decisions and more coming off Week 2 of the preseason.
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Cowboys: Has Joe Milton III separated himself in the No. 2 quarterback battle? Milton’s command of the offense is so much greater than it was in 2025, and the results have been telling. In two games, he has completed 21 of 28 passes for 286 yards and three touchdowns. He also ran for a score. He has made the big plays — a TD of 56 yards and a completion of 70 yards vs. the Cardinals — but more importantly, he avoided mistakes.
Milton’s arm strength is unquestioned, but his poise and decision-making have impressed the coaches. Sam Howell has done nothing to lose the job (though that late-game pick with the Cowboys in the red zone against Arizona didn’t help), but the roster gymnastics required by keeping three quarterbacks on the 53-man roster could be too costly when the Cowboys look to fill their spots at wide receiver, linebacker and cornerback. — Todd Archer
Next game: vs New Orleans Saints (Thursday, 8 p.m. ET, ESPN Unlimited)
Cardinals: What does the bottom of the wide receiver room look like? There are a few guarantees to make the roster: Marvin Harrison Jr., Michael Wilson, Kendrick Bourne and Devin Duvernay. After that, there are two questions: How many receivers will Arizona keep and who will the rest of them be?
There are essentially three options for the last two (possibly three) spots: Simi Fehoko, Reggie Virgil and Jalen Brooks. Brooks has played great this preseason, and Wilson called Fehoko one of the best preseason receivers of all time. He plays a big role on special teams, so that will factor in. Virgil is a rookie who’s quick and has shown promise. If Arizona keeps six WRs, Brooks might be the odd man out but won’t last long on the practice squad, and if Virgil gets cut, Brooks could last a little longer. — Josh Weinfuss
Next game: at Green Bay Packers (Friday, 8 p.m. ET)
Patriots: Did veteran cornerback Kindle Vildor play his way onto the roster? The Patriots’ top three at the position are solidified — Christian Gonzalez, Carlton Davis III and Marcus Jones — and coaches seem committed to third-year player Charles Woods as the fourth option. Vildor (seventh year) would be competing for a fifth or possibly sixth spot, and he made a case with tight coverage and two pass breakups Saturday. He also had a would-be interception nullified by an unnecessary roughness penalty on OLB Gabe Jacas. Vildor (5-11, 190) had an INT in Week 1.
Other questions of note: Did Lan Larison’s strong performance give him the edge at RB3 and did Behren Morton’s poise in the second half force the Patriots’ hand to keep him on the active roster as QB3? — Mike Reiss
Next game: at Cleveland Browns (Thursday, 8 p.m. ET, Prime Video)
Eagles: Who will back up QB Jalen Hurts this season? Andy Dalton has started both preseason games — seemingly an indication that he is ahead in the competition with Tanner McKee to be Hurts’ backup, despite the two splitting practice reps with the second team this summer. Dalton has not fared well in those games, however, going 3-of-10 for 44 yards against the Patriots and 3-of-6 for 20 yards versus the Baltimore Ravens.
McKee tossed two touchdown passes against New England and was more efficient overall. But neither QB has clearly separated from the other, making for an interesting decision as the time nears to trim the roster to 53. — Tim McManus
Next game: at Cincinnati Bengals (Friday, 8 p.m. ET, CBS)
Bucs: Has Jalon Daniels worked his way into the QB2 role behind Baker Mayfield? Every time the undrafted free agent rookie out of Kansas has entered games, he has given the offense a jolt. He went 9-for-14 for 71 passing yards, including a 2-yard touchdown pass across his body to tight end Ko Kieft. Daniels also rushed for 23 yards and led a second scoring drive after Roman Parodie’s interception that was capped by a 1-yard Sean Tucker touchdown run. Then, Daniels went with a hard count on third-and-1 and lured the Chiefs offsides. His play on the move really stood out during a night when Jake Browning was pressured on 58% of his dropbacks and was sacked three times. — Jenna Laine
Next game: at Jacksonville Jaguars (Friday, 7:30 p.m. ET)
Chiefs: Who will be the right tackle for Patrick Mahomes on opening night? The team invested most of training camp in preparing Kahlil Benson, the undrafted rookie from Indiana. Benson’s performance Saturday, however, was quite disappointing. He struggled in pass protection, surrendering quick pressure to rookie Rueben Bain Jr. and a strip-sack to outside linebacker Anthony Nelson. At this point, the Chiefs likely move Benson to guard, where he played much better against the Los Angeles Rams last week. Jaylon Moore, a five-year veteran, hasn’t been impressive, either. But Moore is likely the Chiefs’ most ideal option. The only other possibility is Esa Pole, a second-year player who took snaps Saturday at left tackle with the second-team offense. — Nate Taylor
Next game: at Seattle Seahawks (Friday, 8 p.m. ET, ESPN Unlimited)
Bears: Who will be the Bears’ left tackle? The Bears are still searching for their starting left tackle and got an extended look at Braxton Jones and Theo Benedet in Cincinnati. After missing more than a week because of injury, Jones got back in the mix, and it feels like this is his job to lose, particularly after Jedrick Wills Jr. and Kiran Amegadjie were moved to right tackle. Until Ozzy Trapilo can participate fully in team reps while working his way off the PUP list, Jones and his 44 starts might give the Bears the best option for the consistency the coaches are seeking at the position. It took Chicago until cut-down day to name their Week 1 starter last year. The coaches hope that the Bears will have their answer earlier this year. — Courtney Cronin
Next game: at Tennessee Titans (Saturday, 6 p.m. ET, NFL Network)
Bengals: Has Dohnte Meyers done enough to seal a roster spot? He played extensively as a receiver and returner, and he was effective while he was on the field. He could be an option over Charlie Jones, who is competing for his spot despite being one of the best returners in the NFL. And secondly …
Do the Bengals have a viable swing tackle? Jalen Rivers and Javon Foster held down the edges of the offensive line to start the game. Cincinnati will need to solidify that spot ahead of Week 1. — Ben Baby
Next game: at Philadelphia Eagles (Friday, 8 p.m. ET, CBS)
Giants: What will New York do at wide receiver with Odell Beckham Jr. and Co.? Beckham is clearly on the bubble. Malik Nabers, Darnell Mooney and Braxton Berrios all had the day off in Saturday’s preseason game against the Dolphins. Malachi Fields, Darius Slayton and Calvin Austin III started. Beckham is behind them all on the depth chart. He had two catches for 17 yards and drew a pass interference penalty on five targets in Miami. Slayton had four catches for 58 yards. Beckham has proven he can get open, but is that enough? Unless the Giants trade a wide receiver, there probably won’t be room for him on the roster. — Jordan Raanan
Next game: at New York Jets (Friday, 7:30 p.m. ET)
Dolphins: How big of an impact will depth have this season? The first drive of the preseason was a beacon of hope — Malik Willis led a 14-play, 95-yard touchdown drive in which Miami’s offense moved the ball with ease. But the ensuing 19 drives featured three points, 12 three-and-outs and a first-play interception. The Dolphins’ backups, particularly at quarterback, failed to make an impact through two preseason games. Success this season won’t necessarily be measured by wins and losses, but rather by player development — to this point, the team has not looked competitive with the reserves on the field. Miami is the youngest team in the NFL, and fans might have to be reminded of that fact weekly. — Marcel Louis-Jacques
Next game: vs. Atlanta Falcons (Friday, 7 p.m. ET)
Rams: Who will be the backup QB? That’s the biggest question remaining for this roster that didn’t have many of them entering training camp. Stetson Bennett IV, a 2023 fourth-round pick, played the first half Saturday against the Saints, completing 19 of 31 passes for 181 yards. He also had two rushing touchdowns, including an 8-yard scramble. Rookie quarterback Ty Simpson, the 2026 No. 13 pick, took over in the second half. He played just three series, completing 8 of 12 passes for 73 yards. — Sarah Barshop
Next game: at Los Angeles Chargers (Thursday, 10 p.m. ET, NFL Network)
Saints: Is there a legit backup QB on the team? Zach Wilson looked as though he gained a step in the quarterback race last week, while Spencer Rattler struggled against the Jacksonville Jaguars, but neither quarterback impressed Saturday against the Los Angeles Rams. Rattler threw a pick-six. Wilson threw an interception, completed only 50% of his passes for 55 yards and his brewing connection with Bub Means sputtered. With the preseason finale coming up, it’s a discouraging sign for the Saints that there doesn’t appear to be a clear winner yet in this battle. — Katherine Terrell
Next game: at Dallas Cowboys (Friday, 8 p.m. ET, ESPN Unlimited)
Bills: Has the backup QB role been secured now? Kyle Allen and Shane Buechele haven’t had the most memorable training camp so far, but they each had some highlights Saturday.
Allen started the game, going 10-for-12 for 128 yards and one touchdown, while Buechele threw for 111 yards and a 71-yard TD pass to Ja’Mori Maclin. While starter Josh Allen has not missed a start since his rookie season in 2018, having a backup who is capable for security is important for a contending team. Though Kyle Allen’s camp performance hasn’t been stellar, he showed Saturday why he’s in line to again back up the 2024 NFL Most Valuable Player. — Alaina Getzenberg
Next game: vs Pittsburgh Steelers (Thursday, 7 p.m. ET, NFL Network)
Browns: What will Cleveland do at quarterback? Shedeur Sanders had a good showing in his preseason start Saturday, completing 9 of 11 passes for 74 yards in the first half. He threw an 8-yard touchdown pass to cap a 65-yard scoring drive on the opening possession but also threw an interception. Deshaun Watson struggled in his four second-half drives, completing 5 of 12 passes for 35 yards and an interception.
Beyond who will be the starting quarterback, will Cleveland keep all four passers? The Browns have a crowded room with Sanders, Watson, Dillon Gabriel and Taylen Green. — Daniel Oyefusi
Next game: vs New England Patriots (Thursday, 8 p.m. ET, Prime Video)
Ravens: Who is Baltimore’s starting center? This is the biggest question mark facing Baltimore. Danny Pinter, who was closing in on the starting job, suffered a right knee injury Wednesday, which will force him to miss an extended amount of time.
In Saturday’s preseason game, the Ravens started Jovaughn Gwyn, who was solid in four series (17 total snaps). But Gwyn has never started a regular-season game in his three-year NFL career. Ethan Pocic, the most experienced center on the roster, replaced Gwyn and held his own in five drives (28 total snaps). He has to prove he is fully recovered from an Achilles injury that he sustained eight months ago. Corey Bullock came in to finish out the game at center. The Ravens haven’t indicated who is the front-runner, but the favorite to replace Tyler Linderbaum will likely be the one who starts Friday’s preseason finale. — Jamison Hensley
Next game: vs Washington Commanders (Friday, 6 p.m. ET, NFL Network)
Vikings: Will (or should) J.J. McCarthy be the No. 2 quarterback? McCarthy has taken all the second-team snaps since Kyler Murray won the starting quarterback competition, and coach Kevin O’Connell reiterated last week that McCarthy — and not Carson Wentz — is the backup. But O’Connell also mentioned that wants the position to be competitive, and McCarthy didn’t do much to cement his status Saturday.
In completing 5 of 10 passes for 81 yards in the first quarter, he overthrew two open receivers in the end zone and also threw high on two other incompletions. His 50-yard throw to receiver Tai Felton got the Vikings in scoring position, but a better pass would have led Felton into the end zone. Wentz was sharper while playing with the third team in the second quarter, and it’s hard to consider the No. 2 role completely settled. — Kevin Seifert
Next game: at Denver Broncos (Friday, 9 p.m. ET, NFL Network)
Falcons: Could Jack Strand find his way onto the 53-man roster as the third quarterback? The undrafted rookie out of Division II Minnesota State-Moorhead played lights-out Saturday in a blowout win against the Colts. Strand showed off his big arm with several really nice deep balls and also made plays with his legs, including a 16-yard touchdown run. Strand, at 6-foot-4, 240 pounds, is a load to bring down.
Strand started off 8-for-8 passing for 155 yards after coming in for veteran Cooper Rush. Neither Tua Tagovailoa nor Michael Penix Jr. played for the Falcons on Saturday. Carrying a third quarterback is a luxury, and Rush has worlds more experience. But Strand has been impressive this summer. — Marc Raimondi
Next game: at Miami Dolphins (Friday, 7 p.m. ET)
Colts: Who are the primary linebackers for Indianapolis? It is perhaps the most underwhelming position on the roster, and there remains a lot of lineup uncertainty. This was evidenced by the constant rotations and combinations of players used at the position throughout Saturday’s game.
The Colts started veterans Austin Ajiake and Jaylon Carlies on the first series, then alternated them with rookies CJ Allen and Bryce Boettcher the remainder of the game. Does that mean Allen is no longer seen as the starting middle linebacker (he’s listed No. 1 on the depth chart)? And does the decision to not play Akeem Davis-Gaither suggest he is a lock to start at the weakside spot? — Stephen Holder
Next game: vs Detroit Lions (Saturday, 1 p.m. ET, NFL Network)
Lions: Has the offensive line really improved? After a disappointing 2025 season in which the unit struggled, the top offseason priority for general manager Brad Holmes and coach Dan Campbell was improving the line. While it’s difficult to assess just how much the O-line has improved from Saturday’s preseason win over the Washington Commanders, there appears to be more room for improvement prior to the start of Week 1. To be fair, it is the preseason!
All-Pro Penei Sewell didn’t suit up Saturday, and center Cade Mays suffered a wrist injury during camp, but four other projected starters — Christian Mahogany (LG), Juice Scruggs (C), Tate Ratledge (RG) and Blake Miller (RT) — did play during the first-quarter series. On the opening drive, the Lions allowed a sack fumble on QB Joshua Dobbs, which led to a Washington touchdown on the second play of the game. Detroit’s O-line allowed four sacks in the first half, so this is still a fair question. — Eric Woodyard
Next game: at Indianapolis Colts (Saturday, 1 p.m. ET, NFL Network)
Commanders: How will the O-line room shake out? The toughest decision will be wide receiver, considering the Commanders say they have eight worthy of a roster spot. But the biggest decision will be what to do along the offensive line.
Do they even have nine linemen currently on the team worthy of a roster spot? Who is the backup center — presumed starter Nick Allegretti’s calf issues in training camp have limited him to two practices this summer. Right now it would be inexperienced Julian Good-Jones (two snaps, one game since entering the NFL in 2020) or rookie Matt Gulbin. Washington should continue to be on the lookout for interior line depth. — John Keim
Next game: at Baltimore Ravens (Friday, 6 p.m. ET, NFL Network)
Jets: Who’s the No. 2 quarterback? Rookie Cade Klubnik could’ve erased any doubt with another strong game, but it was a middling performance — five drives, no points and only four plays in Pittsburgh territory. Klubnik (10-for-14, 75 yards) got a taste of real football, as the Steelers played many of their starters for two series. The organization probably will choose Klubnik as Geno Smith’s backup. If the Jets explore outside options, now would be the time.
In other battles, incumbent safety Andre Cisco, battling Dane Belton for the starting job, helped his chances with an interception, but it came with the second-team defense. Belton got the start and made four tackles. Rookie Omar Cooper Jr. and Isaiah Williams are locked in a close battle for the WR3 position. Cooper got the start this week, but had only one catch for 9 yards. Williams had a fumble that was recovered by the Jets. — Rich Cimini
Next game: vs New York Giants (Friday, 7:30 p.m. ET)
Steelers: Which position gets reduced to accommodate four quarterbacks? Mason Rudolph seemingly solidified his spot as QB2 without playing a snap as Will Howard struggled, and rookie Drew Allar failed to replicate his explosive preseason debut. Unless the Steelers try to sneak Howard through on the practice squad, it seems more and more likely that they’ll keep four quarterbacks, and that would mean numbers have to be reduced somewhere else on the roster. Two potential groups to watch are the offensive linemen and safeties because of the position flexibility of veterans such as Brock Hoffman and Jalen Ramsey. — Brooke Pryor
Next game: at Buffalo Bills (Friday, 7 p.m. ET, NFL Network)
Panthers: Is there a second starting-caliber inside linebacker on the roster? Carolina didn’t play Devin Lloyd, so Trevin Wallace and Claudin Cherelus both started Friday. Neither defender has gained an advantage in their position battle this summer, and the depth behind Lloyd could be upgraded before Week 1.
Similar to tight end, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Panthers search for a veteran free agent linebacker before or after the cut-down deadline next week. — Mike Kaye
Next game: vs. Houston Texans (Friday, 7 p.m. ET)
Jaguars: What will they do at running back? LeQuint Allen Jr. is out for the rest of camp because of a soft tissue injury. If that lingers into the regular season, the Jaguars will need someone behind Chris Rodriguez Jr. and Bhayshul Tuten. That’ll be either veteran Ameer Abdullah, who ran for 45 yards and had three catches for 37 yards against the Panthers, or undrafted rookie J’Mari Taylor. Taylor, who ran for 78 yards and a touchdown in Week 1, had little success Friday (3 yards, 4 carries). Both have had their moments in camp, so it might come down to which player the Jaguars believe they can risk adding to the practice squad. — Michael DiRocco
Next game: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Friday, 7:30 p.m. ET)
Packers: Do they have to find a way to keep four running backs? Even if Josh Jacobs’ legal issues don’t lead to a suspension by the NFL, the Packers might want to keep four running backs because Pierre Strong Jr. could be their best option as a kickoff returner. He ripped off a 68-yard return in the first half and showed he can handle some carries, too. He rushed for 37 yards on eight carries (a 4.6-yard average), including gains of 12 and 7 yards on consecutive plays. Behind Jacobs, the Packers will keep MarShawn Lloyd, and they like Chris Brooks as a third-down back because of his pass blocking. If Jacobs gets formally charged and/or suspended before the opener, they will almost certainly keep Strong.
One question that appears to be answered is whether rookie kicker Trey Smack can handle the job. Despite some shaky days in practice — he has nine missed kicks on the Ray Nitschke practice field this summer — he has been successful in the preseason games. After going 3-for-3 last week (including a 58-yarder and not including another 58-yarder that was wiped out by a penalty), he made field goals of 51, 59, 43 and 38 yards against the Broncos to stay perfect in two games. — Rob Demovsky
Next game: vs. Arizona Cardinals (Friday, 8 p.m. ET)
Broncos: What will they decide to do at safety? In an attempt to add some experience behind starting safeties Talanoa Hufanga and Brandon Jones, the Broncos signed veteran safety Taylor Rapp this week. Rapp’s arrival indicates that the Broncos want to bolster the depth chart on defense. Among the reserve safeties, Devon Key — an All-Pro special teams selection last season — has been the most consistent in game/practice snaps on defense. Two of the other backups — JL Skinner and Tycen Anderson — project as largely special teams players and haven’t been nearly as consistent. And some of the defense’s issues that happened when Jones was out of the lineup last season are still fresh in the coaches’ minds. The Broncos have difficult decisions behind the starters at inside linebacker and the offensive line as well. — Jeff Legwold
Next game: vs. Minnesota Vikings (Friday, 9 p.m. ET, NFL Network)
49ers: What is the state of the receiver and guard depth charts? The battle for receiver roster spots has been hard to decipher, but Jacob Cowing helped his cause significantly Thursday night due to his special teams contributions. Cowing returned a punt 83 yards for a score and is the most reliable punt return option on the roster. That should help him land on the initial 53-man roster, even if it means saying goodbye to a more proven veteran.
Elsewhere, it’s still unclear whether the Niners have a starting-caliber left guard, with rookie Carver Willis getting the start against the Chargers. Willis, Connor Colby and Robert Jones have been competing for that spot, but none of them has done enough to separate from the others. Austen Pleasants also entered the mix Thursday, creating more questions at the position. — Nick Wagoner
Next game: at Las Vegas Raiders (Thursday, 8 p.m. ET, ESPN Unlimited)
Chargers: Is Jake Slaughter ready to be the starting center? The biggest news of the week for the Chargers was the injury to center Tyler Biadasz, who suffered an ACL injury to his left knee Tuesday and is out indefinitely.
Slaughter, a second-round rookie, will likely begin the season as the Chargers’ starting center, where he played all his college snaps. He got his first shot at that job Thursday night, playing nine snaps. He allowed zero pressures, according to NFL Next Gen Stats. — Kris Rhim
Next game: vs. Los Angeles Rams (Thursday, 10 p.m. ET, NFL Network)
Raiders: How much confidence do the Raiders have in their secondary? Las Vegas’ secondary has potential, but will that lead to success in 2026? Second-year cornerback Darien Porter is still learning the position after spending most of his college career as a wide receiver. He started 10 games as a rookie, but he has a lot more growing to do. Fourth-round rookie corner Jermod McCoy hasn’t played football in more than a year because of a knee injury, so it will take time before he feels like his true self. Fifth-round rookie corner Hezekiah Masses is also learning. Second-round safety Treydan Stukes has the best chance of making a positive impact as a rookie, but the Raiders are taking his development slowly because they are asking him to play deep safety and nickel.
The Raiders have struggled in coverage in two preseason games. Cardinals quarterbacks Jacoby Brissett and Gardner Minshew II combined for 16 straight completions in the first half last week, and Texans backup Davis Mills completed 11 of 15 passes for 93 yards in the first half Thursday night. The Raiders’ young secondary could be quite good in a season or two, but asking it to fix last season’s pass-coverage issues immediately might be too tall a task. — Ryan McFadden
Next game: vs. San Francisco 49ers (Thursday, 8 p.m. ET, ESPN Unlimited)
Texans: What will Houston’s offensive line eventually look like? Houston’s starting tackles Thursday were Trent Brown and Aireontae Ersery. First-round pick Keylan Rutledge started at left guard instead of center, where he has played for most of training camp, and Evan Brown took first-team snaps instead. Ed Ingram started at right guard, leaving two free agent signees (right tackle Braden Smith and guard Wyatt Teller) running with the second unit.
The Texans signed Smith to a two-year, $20 million deal and Teller to a two-year, $16 million contract, with the expectation that both would start and boost the team’s frequently problematic offensive line. So how will Houston decide which linemen to start Week 1? And do the Texans want $36 million worth of offseason signings on their backup unit? — DJ Bien-Aime
Next game: at Carolina Panthers (Friday, 7 p.m. ET)
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