2026 NFL preseason Week 2: Game takeaways, analysis

Week 2 of the 2026 NFL preseason kicked off Thursday, giving us extra perception into place battles and the push to make 53-man rosters earlier than the cut-down deadline Aug. 30. Action started with two video games Thursday earlier than Friday’s three video games, with extreme climate rolling by way of Jacksonville late within the fourth quarter — inflicting league and crew officers to finish the sport due to lightning on the two-minute warning.

Things continued Saturday with 10 video games, together with Cleveland Browns QB Deshaun Watson‘s first dwelling sport since tearing his proper Achilles tendon in October 2024 and a sport through which he was met with loud boos, and Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy getting “banged up” throughout a tough first quarter in a loss to the Ravens.

And Sunday’s sport wraps up the weekend with the Seattle Seahawks on the Tennessee Titans (8 p.m. ET, Fox).

Our NFL Nation reporters picked out what it’s good to find out about huge roster choices and extra coming off Week 2 of the preseason.

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Saturday’s outcomes

Cowboys: Has Joe Milton III separated himself within the No. 2 quarterback battle? Milton’s command of the offense is a lot higher than it was in 2025, and the outcomes have been telling. In two video games, he has accomplished 21 of 28 passes for 286 yards and three touchdowns. He additionally ran for a rating. He has made the large performs — a TD of 56 yards and a completion of 70 yards vs. the Cardinals — however extra importantly, he prevented errors.

Milton’s arm energy is unquestioned, however his poise and decision-making have impressed the coaches. Sam Howell has accomplished nothing to lose the job (although that late-game choose with the Cowboys within the crimson zone towards Arizona did not assist), however the roster gymnastics required by conserving three quarterbacks on the 53-man roster might be too expensive when the Cowboys look to fill their spots at vast receiver, linebacker and cornerback. — Todd Archer

Next sport: vs New Orleans Saints (Thursday, 8 p.m. ET, ESPN Unlimited)

Cardinals: What does the underside of the vast receiver room appear like? There are just a few ensures 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 preserve and who will the remainder of them be?

There are basically three choices for the final two (presumably three) spots: Simi Fehoko, Reggie Virgil and Jalen Brooks. Brooks has performed nice this preseason, and Wilson referred to as Fehoko probably the greatest preseason receivers of all time. He performs an enormous position on particular groups, so that may consider. Virgil is a rookie who’s fast and has proven promise. If Arizona retains six WRs, Brooks may be the odd man out however will not final lengthy on the follow squad, and if Virgil will get minimize, Brooks might final slightly longer. — Josh Weinfuss

Next sport: at Green Bay Packers (Friday, 8 p.m. ET)

Patriots: Did veteran cornerback Kindle Vildor play his means onto the roster? The Patriots’ prime three on the place are solidified — Christian Gonzalez, Carlton Davis III and Marcus Jones — and coaches appear dedicated to third-year participant Charles Woods because the fourth possibility. Vildor (seventh 12 months) can be competing for a fifth or presumably sixth spot, and he made a case with tight protection and two cross breakups Saturday. He additionally had a would-be interception nullified by an pointless roughness penalty on OLB Gabe Jacas. Vildor (5-11, 190) had an INT in Week 1.

Other questions of observe: Did Lan Larison‘s sturdy efficiency give him the sting at RB3 and did Behren Morton‘s poise within the second half drive the Patriots’ hand to maintain him on the energetic roster as QB3? — Mike Reiss

Next sport: at Cleveland Browns (Thursday, 8 p.m. ET, Prime Video)

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Patriots come again to win at dwelling over Eagles

Eagles: Who will again up QB Jalen Hurts this season? Andy Dalton has began each preseason video games — seemingly a sign that he’s forward within the competitors with Tanner McKee to be Hurts’ backup, regardless of the 2 splitting follow reps with the second crew this summer time. Dalton has not fared nicely in these video games, nevertheless, going 3-of-10 for 44 yards towards the Patriots and 3-of-6 for 20 yards versus the Baltimore Ravens.

McKee tossed two landing passes towards New England and was extra environment friendly general. But neither QB has clearly separated from the opposite, making for an attention-grabbing determination because the time nears to trim the roster to 53. — Tim McManus

Next sport: at Cincinnati Bengals (Friday, 8 p.m. ET, CBS)

Bucs: Has Jalon Daniels labored his means into the QB2 position behind Baker Mayfield? Every time the undrafted free agent rookie out of Kansas has entered video games, he has given the offense a jolt. He went 9-for-14 for 71 passing yards, together with a 2-yard landing cross throughout his physique to tight finish Ko Kieft. Daniels additionally rushed for 23 yards and led a second scoring drive after Roman Parodie‘s interception that was capped by a 1-yard Sean Tucker landing run. Then, Daniels went with a tough rely on third-and-1 and lured the Chiefs offsides. His play on the transfer actually stood out throughout an evening when Jake Browning was pressured on 58% of his dropbacks and was sacked 3 times. — Jenna Laine

Next sport: at Jacksonville Jaguars (Friday, 7:30 p.m. ET)

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Kansas City Chiefs vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Game Highlights

Chiefs: Who would be the proper deal with for Patrick Mahomes on opening night time? The crew invested most of coaching camp in making ready Kahlil Benson, the undrafted rookie from Indiana. Benson’s efficiency Saturday, nevertheless, was fairly disappointing. He struggled in cross safety, surrendering fast stress to rookie Rueben Bain Jr. and a strip-sack to outdoors linebacker Anthony Nelson. At this level, the Chiefs probably transfer Benson to protect, the place he performed significantly better towards the Los Angeles Rams final week. Jaylon Moore, a five-year veteran, hasn’t been spectacular, both. But Moore is probably going the Chiefs’ most ideally suited possibility. The solely different chance is Esa Pole, a second-year participant who took snaps Saturday at left deal with with the second-team offense. — Nate Taylor

Next sport: at Seattle Seahawks (Friday, 8 p.m. ET, ESPN Unlimited)

Bears: Who would be the Bears’ left deal with? The Bears are nonetheless trying to find their beginning left deal with and acquired an prolonged take a look at Braxton Jones and Theo Benedet in Cincinnati. After lacking greater than per week due to harm, Jones acquired again within the combine, and it seems like that is his job to lose, notably after Jedrick Wills Jr. and Kiran Amegadjie have been moved to proper deal with. Until Ozzy Trapilo can take part totally in crew reps whereas working his means off the PUP checklist, Jones and his 44 begins may give the Bears the most suitable choice for the consistency the coaches are searching for on the place. It took Chicago till cut-down day to call their Week 1 starter final 12 months. The coaches hope that the Bears can have their reply earlier this 12 months. — Courtney Cronin

Next sport: at Tennessee Titans (Saturday, 6 p.m. ET, NFL Network)

Bengals: Has Dohnte Meyers accomplished sufficient to seal a roster spot? He performed extensively as a receiver and returner, and he was efficient whereas he was on the sphere. He might be an possibility over Charlie Jones, who’s competing for his spot regardless of being probably the greatest returners within the NFL. And secondly …

Do the Bengals have a viable swing deal with? Jalen Rivers and Javon Foster held down the perimeters of the offensive line to begin the sport. Cincinnati might want to solidify that spot forward of Week 1. — Ben Baby

Next sport: at Philadelphia Eagles (Friday, 8 p.m. ET, CBS)

Giants: What will New York do at vast receiver with Odell Beckham Jr. and Co.? Beckham is clearly on the bubble. Malik Nabers, Darnell Mooney and Braxton Berrios all had the time off in Saturday’s preseason sport towards the Dolphins. Malachi Fields, Darius Slayton and Calvin Austin III began. Beckham is behind all of them on the depth chart. He had two catches for 17 yards and drew a cross interference penalty on 5 targets in Miami. Slayton had 4 catches for 58 yards. Beckham has confirmed he can get open, however is that sufficient? Unless the Giants commerce a large receiver, there in all probability will not be room for him on the roster. — Jordan Raanan

Next sport: at New York Jets (Friday, 7:30 p.m. ET)

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Odell Beckham Jr. makes defender miss on catch and run

Dolphins: How huge of an affect will depth have this season? The first drive of the preseason was a beacon of hope — Malik Willis led a 14-play, 95-yard landing drive through which Miami’s offense moved the ball with ease. But the following 19 drives featured three factors, 12 three-and-outs and a first-play interception. The Dolphins’ backups, notably at quarterback, didn’t make an affect by way of two preseason video games. Success this season will not essentially be measured by wins and losses, however relatively by participant improvement — thus far, the crew has not regarded aggressive with the reserves on the sphere. Miami is the youngest crew within the NFL, and followers might need to be reminded of that reality weekly. — Marcel Louis-Jacques

Next sport: vs. Atlanta Falcons (Friday, 7 p.m. ET)

Rams: Who would be the backup QB? That’s the largest query remaining for this roster that did not have a lot of them getting into coaching camp. Stetson Bennett IV, a 2023 fourth-round choose, performed the primary half Saturday towards the Saints, finishing 19 of 31 passes for 181 yards. He additionally had two dashing touchdowns, together with an 8-yard scramble. Rookie quarterback Ty Simpson, the 2026 No. 13 choose, took over within the second half. He performed simply three sequence, finishing 8 of 12 passes for 73 yards. — Sarah Barshop

Next sport: at Los Angeles Chargers (Thursday, 10 p.m. ET, NFL Network)

Saints: Is there a legit backup QB on the crew? Zach Wilson regarded as if he gained a step within the quarterback race final week, whereas Spencer Rattler struggled towards the Jacksonville Jaguars, however neither quarterback impressed Saturday towards the Los Angeles Rams. Rattler threw a pick-six. Wilson threw an interception, accomplished solely 50% of his passes for 55 yards and his brewing reference to Bub Means sputtered. With the preseason finale arising, it is a discouraging signal for the Saints that there does not seem like a transparent winner but on this battle. — Katherine Terrell

Next sport: at Dallas Cowboys (Friday, 8 p.m. ET, ESPN Unlimited)

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100-yard pick-six! Rams intercept Rattler’s cross and take it again to the home

Bills: Has the backup QB position been secured now? Kyle Allen and Shane Buechele have not had essentially the most memorable coaching camp to this point, however they every had some highlights Saturday.

Allen began the sport, going 10-for-12 for 128 yards and one landing, whereas Buechele threw for 111 yards and a 71-yard TD cross to Ja’Mori Maclin. While starter Josh Allen has not missed a begin since his rookie season in 2018, having a backup who’s succesful for safety is essential for a contending crew. Though Kyle Allen’s camp efficiency hasn’t been stellar, he confirmed Saturday why he is in line to once more again up the 2024 NFL Most Valuable Player. — Alaina Getzenberg

Next sport: vs Pittsburgh Steelers (Thursday, 7 p.m. ET, NFL Network)

Browns: What will Cleveland do at quarterback? Shedeur Sanders had an excellent displaying in his preseason begin Saturday, finishing 9 of 11 passes for 74 yards within the first half. He threw an 8-yard landing cross to cap a 65-yard scoring drive on the opening possession but in addition threw an interception. Deshaun Watson struggled in his 4 second-half drives, finishing 5 of 12 passes for 35 yards and an interception.

Beyond who would be the beginning quarterback, will Cleveland preserve all 4 passers? The Browns have a crowded room with Sanders, Watson, Dillon Gabriel and Taylen Green. — Daniel Oyefusi

Next sport: vs New England Patriots (Thursday, 8 p.m. ET, Prime Video)

Ravens: Who is Baltimore’s beginning heart? This is the largest query mark going through Baltimore. Danny Pinter, who was closing in on the beginning job, suffered a proper knee harm Wednesday, which can drive him to overlook an prolonged period of time.

In Saturday’s preseason sport, the Ravens began Jovaughn Gwyn, who was strong in 4 sequence (17 whole snaps). But Gwyn has by no means began a regular-season sport in his three-year NFL profession. Ethan Pocic, essentially the most skilled heart on the roster, changed Gwyn and held his personal in 5 drives (28 whole snaps). He has to show he’s totally recovered from an Achilles harm that he sustained eight months in the past. Corey Bullock got here in to complete out the sport at heart. The Ravens have not indicated who’s the front-runner, however the favourite to switch Tyler Linderbaum will probably be the one who begins Friday’s preseason finale. — Jamison Hensley

Next sport: vs Washington Commanders (Friday, 6 p.m. ET, NFL Network)

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Joe Fagnano finds LaJohntay Wester for Ravens’ first TD of the sport

Vikings: Will (or ought to) J.J. McCarthy be the No. 2 quarterback? McCarthy has taken all of the second-team snaps since Kyler Murray received the starting quarterback competition, and coach Kevin O’Connell reiterated final week that McCarthy — and never Carson Wentz — is the backup. But O’Connell additionally stated that desires the place to be aggressive, and McCarthy did not do a lot to cement his standing Saturday.

In finishing 5 of 10 passes for 81 yards within the first quarter, he overthrew two open receivers ultimately zone and in addition threw excessive on two different incompletions. His 50-yard throw to receiver Tai Felton acquired the Vikings in scoring place, however a greater cross would have led Felton into the tip zone. Wentz was sharper whereas taking part in with the third crew within the second quarter, and it is arduous to contemplate the No. 2 position utterly settled. — Kevin Seifert

Next sport: at Denver Broncos (Friday, 9 p.m. ET, NFL Network)

Falcons: Could Jack Strand discover his means onto the 53-man roster because the third quarterback? The undrafted rookie out of Division II Minnesota State-Moorhead performed lights-out Saturday in a blowout win towards the Colts. Strand confirmed off his huge arm with a number of very nice deep balls and in addition made performs together with his legs, together with a 16-yard landing run. Strand, at 6-foot-4, 240 kilos, is a load to deliver down.

Strand began off 8-for-8 passing for 155 yards after coming in for veteran Cooper Rush. Neither Tua Tagovailoa nor Michael Penix Jr. performed for the Falcons on Saturday. Carrying a 3rd quarterback is a luxurious, and Rush has worlds extra expertise. But Strand has been spectacular this summer time. — Marc Raimondi

Next sport: at Miami Dolphins (Friday, 7 p.m. ET)

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Jack Strand rushes for a 16-yard Falcons TD

Colts: Who are the first linebackers for Indianapolis? It is maybe essentially the most underwhelming place on the roster, and there stays a whole lot of lineup uncertainty. This was evidenced by the fixed rotations and mixtures of gamers used on the place all through Saturday’s sport.

The Colts began veterans Austin Ajiake and Jaylon Carlies on the primary sequence, then alternated them with rookies CJ Allen and Bryce Boettcher the rest of the sport. Does that imply Allen is not seen because the beginning center linebacker (he is listed No. 1 on the depth chart)? And does the choice to not play Akeem Davis-Gaither recommend he’s a lock to begin on the weakside spot? — Stephen Holder

Next sport: vs Detroit Lions (Saturday, 1 p.m. ET, NFL Network)

Lions: Has the offensive line actually improved? After a disappointing 2025 season through which the unit struggled, the highest offseason precedence for common supervisor Brad Holmes and coach Dan Campbell was enhancing the road. While it is troublesome to evaluate simply how a lot the O-line has improved from Saturday’s preseason win over the Washington Commanders, there seems to be extra room for enchancment previous to the beginning of Week 1. To be honest, it’s the preseason!

All-Pro Penei Sewell did not go well with up Saturday, and heart Cade Mays suffered a wrist harm throughout camp, however 4 different projected starters — Christian Mahogany (LG), Juice Scruggs (C), Tate Ratledge (RG) and Blake Miller (RT) — did play throughout the first-quarter sequence. On the opening drive, the Lions allowed a sack fumble on QB Joshua Dobbs, which led to a Washington landing on the second play of the sport. Detroit’s O-line allowed 4 sacks within the first half, so that is nonetheless a good query. — Eric Woodyard

Next sport: at Indianapolis Colts (Saturday, 1 p.m. ET, NFL Network)

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Joshua Dobbs activates the jets for a 50-yard Lions TD

Commanders: How will the O-line room shake out? The hardest determination might be vast receiver, contemplating the Commanders say they’ve eight worthy of a roster spot. But the largest determination might be what to do alongside the offensive line.

Do they even have 9 linemen at present on the crew worthy of a roster spot? Who is the backup heart — presumed starter Nick Allegretti‘s calf points in coaching camp have restricted him to 2 practices this summer time. Right now it could be inexperienced Julian Good-Jones (two snaps, one sport since getting into the NFL in 2020) or rookie Matt Gulbin. Washington ought to proceed to be looking out for inside line depth. — John Keim

Next sport: at Baltimore Ravens (Friday, 6 p.m. ET, NFL Network)

Friday’s outcomes

Jets: Who’s the No. 2 quarterback? Rookie Cade Klubnik might’ve erased any doubt with one other sturdy sport, nevertheless it was a middling efficiency — 5 drives, no factors and solely 4 performs in Pittsburgh territory. Klubnik (10-for-14, 75 yards) acquired a style of actual soccer, because the Steelers performed a lot of their starters for 2 sequence. The group in all probability will select Klubnik as Geno Smith‘s backup. If the Jets discover outdoors choices, now can be the time.

In different battles, incumbent security Andre Cisco, battling Dane Belton for the beginning job, helped his possibilities with an interception, nevertheless it got here with the second-team protection. Belton acquired the beginning and made 4 tackles. Rookie Omar Cooper Jr. and Isaiah Williams are locked in a detailed battle for the WR3 place. Cooper acquired the beginning this week, however had just one catch for 9 yards. Williams had a fumble that was recovered by the Jets. — Rich Cimini

Next sport: vs New York Giants (Friday, 7:30 p.m. ET)

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Geno Smith impresses in preseason debut

Steelers: Which place will get lowered to accommodate 4 quarterbacks? Mason Rudolph seemingly solidified his spot as QB2 with out taking part in a snap as Will Howard struggled, and rookie Drew Allar failed to copy his explosive preseason debut. Unless the Steelers attempt to sneak Howard by way of on the follow squad, it appears increasingly probably that they will preserve 4 quarterbacks, and that will imply numbers should be lowered elsewhere on the roster. Two potential teams to observe are the offensive linemen and safeties due to the place flexibility of veterans resembling Brock Hoffman and Jalen Ramsey. — Brooke Pryor

Next sport: at Buffalo Bills (Friday, 7 p.m. ET, NFL Network)

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Howard, Allar wrestle towards Jets

Panthers: Is there a second starting-caliber inside linebacker on the roster? Carolina did not play Devin Lloyd, so Trevin Wallace and Claudin Cherelus each began Friday. Neither defender has gained a bonus of their place battle this summer time, and the depth behind Lloyd might be upgraded earlier than Week 1.

Similar to tight finish, it would not be shocking to see the Panthers seek for a veteran free agent linebacker earlier than or after the cut-down deadline subsequent week. — Mike Kaye

Next sport: vs. Houston Texans (Friday, 7 p.m. ET)

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Kaye: Momentum is essential for Panthers

Jaguars: What will they do at working again? LeQuint Allen Jr. is out for the remainder of camp due to a delicate tissue harm. If that lingers into the common season, the Jaguars will want somebody behind Chris Rodriguez Jr. and Bhayshul Tuten. That’ll be both veteran Ameer Abdullah, who ran for 45 yards and had three catches for 37 yards towards the Panthers, or undrafted rookie J’Mari Taylor. Taylor, who ran for 78 yards and a landing in Week 1, had little success Friday (3 yards, 4 carries). Both have had their moments in camp, so it would come right down to which participant the Jaguars imagine they will danger including to the follow squad. — Michael DiRocco

Next sport: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Friday, 7:30 p.m. ET)

Packers: Do they should discover a technique to preserve 4 working backs? Even if Josh Jacobs‘ legal issues do not result in a suspension by the NFL, the Packers may wish to preserve 4 working backs as a result of Pierre Strong Jr. might be their most suitable choice as a kickoff returner. He ripped off a 68-yard return within the first half and confirmed he can deal with some carries, too. He rushed for 37 yards on eight carries (a 4.6-yard common), together with features of 12 and seven yards on consecutive performs. Behind Jacobs, the Packers will preserve MarShawn Lloyd, and so they like Chris Brooks as a third-down again due to his cross blocking. If Jacobs will get formally charged and/or suspended earlier than the opener, they’ll nearly definitely preserve Strong.

One query that seems to be answered is whether or not rookie kicker Trey Smack can deal with the job. Despite some shaky days in follow — he has 9 missed kicks on the Ray Nitschke follow discipline this summer time — he has been profitable within the preseason video games. After going 3-for-3 final week (together with a 58-yarder and never together with one other 58-yarder that was worn out by a penalty), he made discipline targets of 51, 59, 43 and 38 yards towards the Broncos to remain excellent in two video games. — Rob Demovsky

Next sport: vs. Arizona Cardinals (Friday, 8 p.m. ET)

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Demovsky: Lloyd confirmed playmaking skill

Broncos: What will they resolve to do at security? In an try so as to add some expertise behind beginning safeties Talanoa Hufanga and Brandon Jones, the Broncos signed veteran security Taylor Rapp this week. Rapp’s arrival signifies that the Broncos wish to bolster the depth chart on protection. Among the reserve safeties, Devon Key — an All-Pro particular groups choice final season — has been essentially the most constant in sport/follow snaps on protection. Two of the opposite backups — JL Skinner and Tycen Anderson — venture as largely particular groups gamers and have not been practically as constant. And a number of the protection’s points that occurred when Jones was out of the lineup final season are nonetheless recent within the coaches’ minds. The Broncos have troublesome choices behind the starters at inside linebacker and the offensive line as nicely. — Jeff Legwold

Next sport: vs. Minnesota Vikings (Friday, 9 p.m. ET, NFL Network)

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Thursday’s outcomes

49ers: What is the state of the receiver and guard depth charts? The battle for receiver roster spots has been arduous to decipher, however Jacob Cowing helped his trigger considerably Thursday night time on account of his particular groups contributions. Cowing returned a punt 83 yards for a rating and is essentially the most dependable punt return possibility on the roster. That ought to assist him land on the preliminary 53-man roster, even when it means saying goodbye to a extra confirmed veteran.

Elsewhere, it is nonetheless unclear whether or not the Niners have a starting-caliber left guard, with rookie Carver Willis getting the beginning towards the Chargers. Willis, Connor Colby and Robert Jones have been competing for that spot, however none of them has accomplished sufficient to separate from the others. Austen Pleasants additionally entered the combination Thursday, creating extra questions on the place. — Nick Wagoner

Next sport: at Las Vegas Raiders (Thursday, 8 p.m. ET, ESPN Unlimited)

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Christian McCaffrey nearing a return

Chargers: Is Jake Slaughter able to be the beginning heart? The greatest information of the week for the Chargers was the harm to heart Tyler Biadasz, who suffered an ACL injury to his left knee Tuesday and is out indefinitely.

Slaughter, a second-round rookie, will probably start the season because the Chargers’ beginning heart, the place he performed all his faculty snaps. He acquired his first shot at that job Thursday night time, taking part in 9 snaps. He allowed zero pressures, based on NFL Next Gen Stats. — Kris Rhim

Next sport: vs. Los Angeles Rams (Thursday, 10 p.m. ET, NFL Network)

Raiders: How a lot confidence do the Raiders have of their secondary? Las Vegas’ secondary has potential, however will that result in success in 2026? Second-year cornerback Darien Porter remains to be studying the place after spending most of his faculty profession as a large receiver. He began 10 video games as a rookie, however he has much more rising to do. Fourth-round rookie nook Jermod McCoy hasn’t performed soccer in additional than a 12 months due to a knee harm, so it can take time earlier than he seems like his true self. Fifth-round rookie nook Hezekiah Masses can also be studying. Second-round security Treydan Stukes has the very best likelihood of constructing a optimistic affect as a rookie, however the Raiders are taking his improvement slowly as a result of they’re asking him to play deep security and nickel.

The Raiders have struggled in protection in two preseason video games. Cardinals quarterbacks Jacoby Brissett and Gardner Minshew II mixed for 16 straight completions within the first half final week, and Texans backup Davis Mills accomplished 11 of 15 passes for 93 yards within the first half Thursday night time. The Raiders’ younger secondary might be fairly good in a season or two, however asking it to repair final season’s pass-coverage points instantly may be too tall a job. — Ryan McFadden

Next sport: vs. San Francisco 49ers (Thursday, 8 p.m. ET, ESPN Unlimited)

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Raiders’ QB1 nonetheless undecided

Texans: What will Houston’s offensive line ultimately appear like? Houston’s beginning tackles Thursday have been Trent Brown and Aireontae Ersery. First-round choose Keylan Rutledge began at left guard as a substitute of heart, the place he has performed for many of coaching camp, and Evan Brown took first-team snaps as a substitute. Ed Ingram began at proper guard, leaving two free agent signees (proper deal with Braden Smith and guard Wyatt Teller) working 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 each would begin and increase the crew’s steadily problematic offensive line. So how will Houston resolve which linemen to begin Week 1? And do the Texans need $36 million value of offseason signings on their backup unit? — DJ Bien-Aime

Next sport: at Carolina Panthers (Friday, 7 p.m. ET)