The first week of the 2026 NFL preseason is underway. Saturday brought seven games and many players had their first real test. Rookies, new signings and young players all had a chance to make a case for a roster spot.
Some players stood out right away. Others showed that they may need more time. Since most top starters saw little or no action, the focus was on depth and young talent.
For the Dallas Cowboys, quarterback Sam Howell made a strong case for his role behind Dak Prescott. Howell completed 8 of 12 passes for 94 yards. He also threw a 39 yard touchdown to rookie receiver Camden Brown.
Brown had two touchdown catches in the game. His second score came on a sharp catch from Joe Milton III. The undrafted receiver now has a chance to earn more attention as camp continues.
The Baltimore Ravens also saw a strong rookie showing. Receiver Ja’Kobi Lane scored on a 16 yard catch and finished with three catches for 38 yards. Tight end Matthew Hibner led the team with 61 receiving yards on five catches.
Philadelphia found a promising young player at tackle. Rookie Markel Bell started at right tackle and showed good power. The 6 foot 9 lineman helped the Eagles move the ball and looked ready for more work.
In Jacksonville, undrafted rookie running back J’Mari Taylor made a strong second half push. He gained 58 yards and scored a touchdown on 12 carries after the break. His work could help him earn a practice squad place.
The Los Angeles Rams had one of the day’s best rookie performances. First round quarterback Ty Simpson completed 21 of 25 passes for 190 yards and two touchdowns. He threw no interceptions.
That was a major positive for the Rams. Simpson handled pressure well and made smart choices. His first NFL game showed why the team has high hopes for him.
Kansas City also got good work from its young players. Edge rusher R Mason Thomas showed quickness and finished with two tackles, a quarterback hit and a pass deflection. Running back Emmett Johnson led the Chiefs with 59 rushing yards.
The Minnesota Vikings gave new quarterback Kyler Murray one short drive. Murray completed two of three passes for 10 yards. The Vikings also gave rookie running back Demond Claiborne an extended look.
But Minnesota had a concern on defense. New safety and linebacker Jamal Adams left the game after 11 snaps with an injury. The team will watch his status closely.
The New York Giants had a notable return. Odell Beckham Jr. played again at MetLife Stadium in a Giants uniform for the first time in almost eight years. He caught two passes for six yards. He also showed that he can still create space downfield.
The Chicago Bears had a strong defensive day. Cornerback Malik Muhammad recorded five tackles. Defensive tackle Jordan Van den Berg added three quarterback hits.
Chicago also got two interceptions from Beanie Bishop Jr. The defensive back picked off passes from both Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel.
Buffalo saw a major debut from receiver DJ Moore. The new Bills target caught three passes for 61 yards on only 10 snaps. One catch went for 32 yards and showed the speed the team wants next to Josh Allen.
The Panthers had good moments from new defensive players. Jaelan Phillips recorded a sack and two early pressures. Quarterback Kenny Pickett also completed 16 of 19 passes for 92 yards and a touchdown.
Saturday’s games showed why the preseason matters. Teams are not only looking for wins. They are testing young players, building depth and making hard roster choices.
The next preseason games will give these players another chance to prove they belong. For many rookies and new players, Saturday was only the first step.
