2026 NFL Preseason Week 2: One Stock Riser, Faller From Each Game

Geoff Magliocchetti August 28, 2026 Fact checked by: Matt Moreno No Comments

The middle act of the 2026 NFL preseason saw several players separate themselves from chaos of depth chart purgatory.

When it came to the 2026 NFL preseason, two out of three wasn’t so bad.

The middle act of the exhibition slate has been staged and the third is officially underway. While it wasn’t exactly high on headliner participation (much like its predecessor), highlights and standouts were nonetheless plentiful as certain participants started to etch their name on to depth charts.

Bo Nix #10 of the Denver Broncos, scrambles out of the pocket looking for a receiver, during a game between the Los Angeles Chargers and the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on January 04, 2026.
(Photo by Kevin Langley/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Others, however, started to watch the NFL dream fade through reasons both within and beyond their control, destined to be excluded from the 32 groups of 53 coming on Sunday.

Who were Week 2’s notable names among these blessed and cursed groups? TeamFB7 calls out a stock riser and faller from each of last week’s 16 exhibitions …

PREVIOUS STUDS & DUDS: Week 1

Bengals 27, Bears 9

ROSE: WR Colbie Young

A fourth-round pick out of Georgia, Colbie Young is in an unenviable position of fighting for snaps among Joe Burrow‘s arsenal, where the top three slots could well be accounted for, even if one disregards Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. He showed there’s depth in all kinds of places on the Bengal depth chart, however, with a 48-yard day, getting 17 alone on a touchdown that served as the highlight of a banner day for 40-year-old backup quarterback Josh Johnson. Delta State alum Dohnte Meyers was equally impressive, having earned 8 receptions in the pair of backup-heavy preseason games.

FELL: LT Braxton Jones

Ozzy Trapilo was removed from the PUP list earlier last week and it might not a moment too soon considering the way Jones struggled on the blind side on Saturday. Braxton Jones was far from the only guilty party on the line but he had trouble containing the backup Bengals in the trenches. Even worse, a Jones holding penalty partially spoiled a celebratory occasion for the Bears, who welcomed back their starters for a series that eventually ended in a field goal. It’ll be nice to have a blocker with nearly three seasons worth of starts but Jones is struggling to hold down the fort on the left side. 

Related Stories

Bills 31, Browns 7

ROSE: WR Trent Sherfield 

It’s going to be hard for a lot of the Bills’ offensive heroes from last Saturday to make the roster. Trent Sherfield, who has a good bit of a special teams experience to boot, made it at least a bit harder to the tune of a four-target, four-catch day, three of them going for at least 17 yards. The former Denver Bronco’s early work helped the Bills build a sizable lead that helped buried talents like Ja’Mori Maclin and Shane Zylstra try to make names for themselves against a beleaguered Cleveland defense.

FELL: QB Deshaun Watson

Any goodwill that Deshaun Watson had stockpiled among his triumph in the Browns’ quarterback battle essentially evaporated after Saturday: Watson drew a chorus of boos for a 5-of-12, 36-yard effort that featured an interception and several short passes. Postgame comments where he more or less condemned the fans for their sour welcome was viewed as an official bridge burned by many supporters, who are close to having to update their Cleveland QB jerseys for the umpteenth time. The fact that Shedeur Sanders came in and earned a touchdown pass (as well as an interception that probably would’ve gone down as an error on the receiver if he was playing baseball) only served as the capper of a wayward Watson showing.

Buccaneers 16, Chiefs 15 

ROSE: LB Anthony Nelson

The Buccaneers’ pass rush is headlined by the newly-announced participation of Rueben Bain Jr. But it was the tenured depth star Anthony Nelson that stole the show, serving as a constant threat to Justin Fields. Nelson came off the edge to chase down Fields on his scrambles and also put up 1.5 sacks, one of which produced a fumble. The eight-year vet has garnered a reputation as a Tampa Bay cult hero and another strong preseason should allow him to keep that status moving forward.

FELL: RT Jaylon Moore

A good day for the Tampa pass rush led to struggles for the Chiefs’ offensive line. On a night where most of the starters sat, Jaylon Moore‘s struggles against Bain were particularly noticeable and his spell option, national champion and undrafted freshman Kahlil Benson, hardly fared better. The Chiefs know that this season could well wind up like the last if Patrick Mahomes isn’t adequately protected. They took care of the option of the left side by drafting Josh Simmons but it’s becoming time for either Moore or Benson to live up to their own bargains.

Cowboys 34, Cardinals 13

ROSE: CB Shavon Revel

Do the Cowboys have a defense? With apologies to Billy Madison, the rest of the NFL might not be be in “big, big trouble” just yet, but there’s no denying the strides that the unit has made. Third-round rookie Jaishawn Barham kept up the pass rush momentum that was established last week while Shavon Revel showed off the developments in secondary with an interception that allowed the Joe Milton masterclass under center to commence. Revel has been one of the more accomplished names in his second camp and is making a name for himself while working behind DaRon Bland.

FELL: LB BJ Ojulari

Conventional eyes turned to the mastery of Milton, who would probably be a first-ballot Hall-of-Famer if the criteria was performances in meaningless games. Part of that was brought about by a struggling Arizona pass rush partially defined by the lack of pressure from BJ Ojulari. Not even starting a night where most of the desert’s regulars sat, Ojulari didn’t register anything in terms of backfield invasions, spelling a tough day for the Cardinal defense. The fact that Detroit was able to land Brian Branch in the general vicinity of Ojulari makes the 2023 day two draft selection all the heavier to bear.

Falcons 34, Colts 6

ROSE: RB Tyler Goodson

A good amount of the Atlanta hype centered away from the game field, as Michael Penix Jr. took another step toward his anticipated debut. But no one in the league took advantage of a newfound opportunity last week better than Tyler Goodson, who added to the festivities with a 49-yard score that placed a lasting lead in the Falcons’ talons. Goodson’s fate likely stands as a depth star with both Bijan and Brian Robinson in front of him, but the ex-Colt is well on his way to Week 1 employment.

FELL: QB Anthony Richardson Jr.

Indianapolis is equally excited about getting its starter, in this case Daniel Jones, back on the field. That feeling perhaps increased fortyfold on Saturday, as neither Anthony Richardson nor Riley Leonard did much, if anything, to create separation in the tussle for QB2. Leonard’s work with the upper group of offensive men was uninspiring at best but Richardson struggled to the tune of 3 of 9 while taking 2 sacks. 

49ers 41, Chargers 17

ROSE: WR Jacob Cowing

One of the best ways a fringe roster candidate can make a name for himself during the preseason is to make plays on special teams. Jacob Cowing found the perfect way to do that in the Golden State civil war, breaking loose for an 83-yard house call on a JK Scott punt in the second quarter. It’s perhaps the perfect way for Cowing, who missed all of last season with a hamstring injury, to leave a lasting impression when Bay Area brass engages in its final roster conversations, especially when rookie De’Zhaun Stribling once again stole the show.

FELL: WR Devonte Ross

It was hard day as a whole for the Chargers, who failed to muster anything inspiring with a good bit of their top men in. The struggles could prove fatal for Devonte Ross, who is likewise back trying to prove himself after an injury-riddled 2025. Going undrafted out of Penn State despite a four-digit season at Troy the year before, Ross lost a fumble on a kickoff after Nick Martin laid him out on a big hit. Ross’ selling points as a rookie free agent was that he could moonlight as a return specialist, but preseason mistakes in the spotlight can be unforgiving to NFL futures.

Giants 26, Dolphins 3

ROSE: WR Darius Slayton

All metropolitan blue eyes are on a lasting receiver’s quest to make the 53-man roster. One had two receptions for 17 years … the other was Darius Slayton. Yes, Odell Beckham‘s story can’t fully be told in the box score. To his credit, he doesn’t appear to have lost a step in the route department despite his lengthy absence from New Jersey turf. But a Garden State nod should nonetheless be granted to Slayton, who got the Giants’ rout rolling with several big receptions while working with a good bit of metropolitan headliners. A 58-yard day in which Slayton caught four of six targets likely won’t go unnoticed considering the Giants just lost Calvin Austin for the year. Heading into his eighth year in blue, Slayton feels like a cold reminder of just how fall the Giants have fallen in the eyes of public perception. With a new offense, he might be able to help the team return to some former state of glory.

FELL: WR Tutu Atwell

Nobody was any form of sustained explosiveness from the Dolphins this season but Tutu Atwell‘s deep-ball abilities could’ve offered new quarterback Malik Willis (a DNP-CD on Saturday) at least some form of assurance. But Atwell was catch-free on two targets against the blue backups and had one carry for a single yard. Apparently Miami saw enough to say bye-bye to Tutu: the Dolphins returned to the Los Angeles sender before Week 3 action kicked off, getting back running back Jarquez Hunter in a trade with the Rams.

Jets 17, Steelers 0

ROSE: QB Geno Smith

It wouldn’t be New York Jets football without a quarterback controversy but Geno Smith did what he could to place such an idea into hibernation. Perhaps heated by what fourth round rookie Cade Klubnik did while he sat out of the opener due to an ankle ailment, Smith had a perfect 7-of-7 outing in one series, capping things off with a 13-yard score to Jelani Woods. Smith obviously isn’t meant to be the green future, but he made an ironclad case to be its present against the Steelers.

FELL: QB Will Howard

Will Howard, at the very least, go down as the answer to a very, very niche metropolitan trivia question, as his 2 interceptions unofficially ended the Jets defense’s year-long lack of aerial turnovers. Howard also became the victim of David Bailey’s first quarterback takedown and mustered but 74 yards on 15 pass attempts. It’s not like Drew Aller, Howard’s fellow B1G graduate and top competitor for a roster spot, was able to channel his Week 1 momentum into anything noteworthy, but such a brutal box score doesn’t bode well for his continued presence in the Steeler system.

Lions 17, Commanders 13

ROSE: RB Trayveon Williams

The Lions’ top two rushing slots are spoken for with Isiah Pacheco and Jahmyr Gibbs kept safe and sound last week, but the backups but on a show as well, with Trayveon Williams, Raheem Blackshear, and Jacob Saylors all getting at least 29 yards each. While forced into concussion protocol, Williams had the strongest day with 36 yards on 10 carries, one of which went for a score. The former Cincinnati Bengal also took in a 24-yard reception from Josh Dobbs, who recovered well enough from a two-turnover day to lead a game winning-drive.

FELL: C Julian Good-Jones

By now, everyone’s aware of the Commanders’ offensive line issues on the outside: Laremy Tunsil is done for the year, Washington is ready to move on. Equally worth keeping an eye on, however, is the calf ailment of Nick Allegretti, who has no timetable for his return. Julian Good-Jones got the starting nod over sixth-round pick Matt Gulbin (a listed guard) but struggled to impress, notably letting up a sack of Jayden Daniels during the starting offense’s cameo in Detroit.

Panthers 34, Jaguars 17

ROSE: WR Jimmy Horn Jr.

A game that featured a lightning delay was the perfect flex of muscle for the Carolina offense, whose primary unit got back on the right track after a no-show in Western New York last week. Jimmy Horn Jr., a sophomore sixth-rounder, got in on a good bit of the fun with 83 all-purpose yards that spanned all three phases of the game, perfectly complementing a 6-catch, 77-yard day for veteran John Metchie.

FELL: CB Corey Ballentine

It’s hard to judge the Jags thanks to the lack of first team snaps. It’s no shock, however, to see them bubble wrap their top defenders after watching the way the second unit has looked. It was a tough night for veteran backups Corey Ballentine and Christian Braswell, who were both picked on by a Panther attack that had 23 first downs on the night. It’s about to be a busy autumn, Travis Hunter…

Packers 33, Broncos 13

ROSE: QB Bo Nix

There wasn’t much to get excited about from a Rockies perspective but the return of Bo Nix, at the very least, lived up to its peaked hype. Back from the ankle injury that essentially ended the Broncos’ run to the Super Bowl, Nix didn’t appear to lose a step in the new system overseen by coordinator Davis Webb to the tune of a 6-of-9 day for 76 yards. Most of his yardage tally came from 35-yard hook-up with new high-voltage weapon Jaylen Waddle and he later found RJ Harvey for a touchdown. It seemed to be enough to convince Bronco brass that Nix is ready for his official return, as they strongly implied they would hold him out of Friday’s fracas with the Minnesota Vikings.

FELL: WR Hakeem Butler

The toast of spring has been the goat of the summer. Hakeem Butler struggled to succeed in expanded opportunities, lacking the trademark brand of athleticism and playmaking that allowed him to become the United Football League’s Offensive Player of the Year twice. The former St. Louis Battlehawk was reception-less in two targets, both of which could’ve netted big yardage. Last Friday’s loss proved to be the end for Butler, who was released in favor of signing linebacker Ron Stone Jr.

Patriots 24, Eagles 21

ROSE: CB Kindle Vildor

Take all the time you need, Christian Gonzalez: like Michael Jordanbefore him, Kindle Vildor took things personally, granted de facto motivation by getting a chance to go up against the team that cut him after the 2023 preseason. Vildor had another preseason interception removed from his ledger due to a penalty that wasn’t of his doing but he followed it up with 3 pass breakups that proved to New England that there’s plenty of secondary life beyond Gonzalez and Carlton Davis.

FELL: WR Quez Watkins

If the idea is to make your ex jealous, the Eagles failed in that regard, at least during the exhibition game that followed a series of joint practices between the two-time Super Bowl combatants. With A.J. Brown watching with a Flying Elvis on his sleeves, the six-year Philadelphian Quez Watkins did not have a catch on three targets. Feeling pressure from Darius Cooper and Britain Covey (though the latter’s preferred spot is in the slot), it could be the end of the line for a Bird that has flown to some of the highest heights with the rest of the Eagles. 

Raiders 22, Texans 20

ROSE: S Treydan Stukes

The top Raider rookie wasn’t Fernando Mendoza but rather the second-round choice Treydan Stukes, who inched closer toward taking the free safety spot from incumbent veteran Isaiah Pola-Mao. Having earned solid playing time in the comeback win over the Texans, the second-round pick out of Arizona continues to be one of the late surgers on the camp front and helped Rob Leonard‘s new unit put on a solid showcase after falling behind by 17. Stukes ended the day with 4 tackles, including a backfield-invading takedown for a loss as the Raiders rose up. Following an inspiring comeback from a torn ACL, Stukes was probably always destined to immediately contribute in the nickel but he’s showing his all-around worth early on after the Raiders drafted him early on day two.

FELL: K Kansei Matsuzawa

The Raiders used their comeback to grant their viral sensation Kansei Matsuzawa, the self-taught booter who became known as the “Tokyo Toe” some opportunities in his ongoing battle with veteran Matt Gay. Alas for Matsuzawa, he went but 1 of 3 on extra points while Gay got the Raiders on the board with a 52-yard field goal in the second quarter. Matsuzawa’s misses might’ve helped avoid a tie but they don’t bode well for his immediate NFL future.

Rams 34, Saints 0

ROSE: EDGE Wesley Bailey

Aaron who? For at least a few hours, Rams fans didn’t have to occupy themselves with the idea of Aaron Donald returning thanks to a dominant defensive effort. The undrafted rookie Wesley Bailey was in the New Orleans backfield more often than injured staple Alvin Kamara, putting up five tackles, a sack and four additional quarterback hits as part of a 10-pressure day. He also forced one of two New Orleans turnovers when his sack led to a fumble and the latter was an interception taken back by Alex Cook for a length-of-the-field score. Both were called by former Disney Channel star Brenda Song, who was on the mic for the Rams’ local broadcast coverage.

FELL: RB Devin Neal

Again, it feels harsh calling anyone a bust, loser, etc. for getting injured in a violent game. Unfortunately, the timing of such an ailment couldn’t be worse for Devin Neal, who was set to get a bulk of the carries with Kamara and Audric Estime out and a good number of Saints starters sidelined. Neal was forced to step out after but two carries with a hamstring issue. If he’s unable to go, New Orleans loses a hidden two-way threat that helped pave the way to some of last season’s late success.

Ravens 13, Vikings 3

ROSE: WR LaJohntay Wester

Baltimore backup throwers found a friend in LaJohntay Wester, targeting him seven times during the Minneapolis meeting. Wester rewarded their faith with 5 grabs for 24 yards, including an 8-yard score that accounted for the only six of the game. The 2025 sixth-round pick and Deion Sanders disciple could get a little lost in the fold, especially considering his spot in the slot is long accounted for with Zay Flowers around but he’s also got a leg up in the race for returner, amassing 60 yards on three combined returns. 

FELL: OL Henry Byrd

There’s no use piling on the struggling Viking offense (namely J.J. McCarthy, whose play clock continues to inch towards zero), so one of the struggling depth stars had to be Henry Byrd, a Princeton alum who has been in and out of the Vikings’ system over the last four years. Byrd’s specialty is on the inside but he got a start on the edge with third-round rookie Caleb Tiernan ailing. It was a tough showcase for the 27-year-old, who allowed a Mike Green sack and was charged with a holding penalty that wiped out a McCarthy completion of nearly 20 yards.

Titans 19, Seahawks 16

ROSE: TE Elijah Arroyo

While it was a sterling day for the Seahawks backups looking to prove that they can spell veteran talent (such as undrafted sophomore rusher Jacardia Wright, whose long touchdown bodes well for continued employment with Zach Charbonnet returning and Jadarian Price coming over in round one), one of Seattle’s more notable standouts saw a recent draftee potentially threaten incumbents. Elijah Arroyo, a second-round pick from last year making his return from a late knee injury, broke loose for a 36-yard aerial score, accounting for most of his half-hundred on the night. It’d be a lot to fully usurp AJ Barner but Arroyo is certainly doing his part in the quest for more snaps.

FELL: S Kevin Winston Jr.

It’s rare to see the characters of an HBO series feel good vibes of this variety by the time their episodes get to this point. Maybe depth like that is why the Seahawks just won the Super Bowl but the fact their backups were able to run wild on the Titans’ primary defense has to be concerning from a Nashville perspective. Kevin Winston Jr. was toward the top of the issues, as his third-round futilely chasing down Wright probably goes down as the lasting image of the Week 2 closer. Winston, a first-round talent who fell to round three due to injury and his struggles in coverage, let Arroyo get loose for the aforementioned deep tally. Tennessee has plenty of young talent to get excited about on both sides of the ball but there’s going to be some undeniable growing pains.

Geoff Magliocchetti is on X @GeoffJMags

Editor's Pick
COLUMN: Cleveland Browns Left Paying The Final Balance Due On The Worst Trade In NFL HistoryCOLUMN: Cleveland Browns Left Paying The Final Balance Due On The Worst Trade In NFL History

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *


The reCAPTCHA verification period has expired. Please reload the page.