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Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Oronde Gadsden contributed to the Los Angeles Chargers' 21-7 preseason victory over the Houston Texans on Thursday. Gadsden caught two of his three targets for 21 yards, providing a reliable option in the passing game during his preseason appearance.
Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud did not suit up for the team's 27-7 preseason-opening loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. The team opted to hold him out of the exhibition contest.
Running back Amar Johnson added intrigue to the Chargers' backfield battle by scoring two rushing touchdowns in the team's 27-7 preseason win over the Houston Texans. His performance was a key highlight in a game where the Chargers' running game excelled under the guidance of Mike McDonald.
Kaden Wetjen delivered a solid outing in the Pittsburgh Steelers' preseason debut. His performance, alongside rookie quarterback Drew Allar's three-touchdown effort, contributed to a successful night for the Steelers' rookie class in their 28-9 victory over the Green Bay Packers.
Jake Slaughter made his preseason debut for the Los Angeles Chargers in their 27-7 victory over the Houston Texans. Slaughter performed well in his first audition for the team's starting left-tackle role, contributing to a strong showing by the Chargers' offensive line and the Mike McDonald-guided running game.
Lions quarterback Jared Goff did not suit up for Thursday's 16-14 preseason loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. The veteran signal-caller was held out of the opening contest as the team manages its roster and evaluates depth during the early stages of the 2026 preseason.
Entering his third season in the NFL, Kamren Kinchens is generating significant internal buzz within the Rams organization. Veteran defensive backs have reportedly labeled the young player as an 'All-Pro' talent, signaling high expectations for a breakout campaign. Kinchens continues to build on his development as he prepares for an expanded role in the Rams' defensive secondary this year.
Bengals running back Chase Brown rushed five times for 16 yards during Thursday's 16-14 preseason-opening victory over the Detroit Lions. Brown saw limited action as part of the team's rotation in the first game of the 2026 preseason schedule.
Green Bay Packers rookie kicker Trey Smack delivered a perfect performance in Thursday's 28-9 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Smack successfully converted field goals from 58, 57, 38, and 37 yards out, providing a bright spot for the Packers in an otherwise sloppy preseason game.
Joe Burrow started and played two series in the Bengals' 16-14 preseason-opening win against the Lions, completing five of six passes for 39 yards. As Cincinnati focuses on postseason contention, Burrow's development remains the team's primary priority. Additionally, Burrow's No. 9 jersey remains untouched at LSU, contrasting with recent controversy regarding the reissuing of Jayden Daniels' former number at the university.
Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers did not suit up for Thursday's preseason opener against his former team, the Green Bay Packers. Rodgers has publicly criticized the NFL preseason, labeling it 'not real football,' and expressed disappointment that the reunion did not occur at Lambeau Field. Despite conflicting reports from coach Mike McCarthy regarding his availability, it was confirmed that he remained sidelined for the contest.
Ja'Marr Chase caught his only target for 16 yards in the Bengals' 16-14 preseason-opening win over the Lions. Analysts have identified the Cincinnati wide receiver as one of the top three contenders to finish as the overall WR1 in fantasy football for the 2026 season, highlighting his immense potential to emerge as the league's top-performing wideout this year.
Former Lions first-round pick Terrion Arnold plans to sign with the Seattle Seahawks following his release from Detroit due to felony charges of kidnapping and armed robbery. The NFL has officially placed Arnold on the Commissioner's Exempt List. Arnold faces the possibility of life in prison, and the league is currently determining his status while the Giants, who were previously linked to the cornerback, have opted against signing him.
Giants rookie Malachi Fields is actively pushing for increased playing time following a series of standout performances during training camp. Fields drew attention for his athleticism and ball skills, highlighted by a notable catch on a dig route over the middle of the field where he left his feet to secure the ball. The coaching staff is monitoring his progress as he competes for a larger role in the offense.
Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson completed 11 of 14 passes during the first half of the preseason opener against the Patriots. Entering his fourth season, Richardson is competing for position on the depth chart amidst a roster battle with Daniel Jones and Riley Leonard. Following a slow start to the game, Richardson demonstrated resilience as he continues to fight for his future with the team.
Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford was ranked first in two categories by analyst Dan Orlovsky, though he was notably left off three of Orlovsky's other top-10 lists, sparking debate about his standing among elite passers. As the Rams prepare for the preseason, it is confirmed that Stafford will not play against the Chiefs on Saturday, as his last preseason snap predates his arrival in Los Angeles by two years.
Second-year wide receiver Jack Bech recorded his first NFL touchdown reception during the Raiders' preseason opener. The scoring play came in the second quarter on a strike from rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza, marking a highlight of the Raiders' offensive performance against the Arizona Cardinals.
Rams receiver Puka Nacua is recovering from a psoas injury—a deep core muscle strain—sustained during a recent off-field incident involving a glass window. After missing Thursday's practice, head coach Sean McVay confirmed that the team expects Nacua to return to the field next week. The organization is targeting his full participation ahead of the August 22 preseason game against the Saints, having seemingly avoided a more significant long-term injury.
Patriots player Ben Brown left the preseason opening game against the Indianapolis Colts during the first quarter due to an injury. No further details regarding the nature or severity of the injury were provided at the time of the report.
Riley Leonard is participating in a competitive roster battle for the Indianapolis Colts' quarterback position. He is vying for standing on the depth chart against teammates Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones as the team moves through the preseason.
