Image Source: ESPN
Football today is dominated by the latest NFL preseason developments, as teams use Week 2 to evaluate position battles, injury replacements and players fighting for a place on the final 53-man roster. With the cutdown deadline set for Aug. 30, several clubs still face major decisions before the regular season begins.
ESPN’s NFL Nation reporters reviewed the most important takeaways from Week 2, which featured quarterback competitions, offensive line concerns and injuries that could reshape depth charts across the league.
Football Today: Explosive Quarterback Battles Take Center Stage
Joe Milton III strengthens his case in Dallas
Joe Milton III continued to impress in the Dallas Cowboys’ 34-13 victory over the Arizona Cardinals. In two preseason games, Milton has completed 21 of 28 passes for 286 yards and three touchdowns, while also rushing for a score.
His arm strength has never been questioned, but his improved poise and decision-making have made the biggest difference. Milton delivered a 56-yard touchdown and a 70-yard completion against Arizona while largely avoiding costly mistakes. Sam Howell remains in the competition, but keeping three quarterbacks could force Dallas to sacrifice depth at wide receiver, linebacker or cornerback.
Cleveland’s quarterback decision remains complicated
The Cleveland Browns still have no simple answer at quarterback. Shedeur Sanders completed nine of 11 passes for 74 yards and threw an eight-yard touchdown during his preseason start. Deshaun Watson, appearing in his first home game since tearing his Achilles tendon in October 2024, struggled in the second half and was booed by the home crowd.
Watson completed only five of 12 passes for 35 yards and threw an interception. Cleveland must now determine not only who should start, but whether it can keep Watson, Sanders, Dillon Gabriel and Taylen Green on the roster.
More backup quarterback questions emerge
The Minnesota Vikings also have uncertainty behind starter Kyler Murray. J.J. McCarthy completed five of 10 passes for 81 yards against Baltimore, but missed open receivers in the end zone and struggled with accuracy. Carson Wentz looked sharper while playing with the third team, meaning the No. 2 job may not be completely settled despite the coaching staff’s previous support for McCarthy.
Elsewhere, the Philadelphia Eagles continue to weigh Andy Dalton against Tanner McKee. Dalton has started both preseason games but has completed only six of 16 passes for 64 yards. McKee has shown greater efficiency and previously tossed two touchdown passes, keeping the competition alive.
Critical Injuries Create New NFL Roster Questions
- Seattle Seahawks: Rookie safety Bud Clark broke his right ankle and is expected to miss multiple months. His injury could increase AJ Finley’s chances of making the team.
- Los Angeles Chargers: Starting center Tyler Biadasz suffered an ACL injury and is out indefinitely. Rookie Jake Slaughter handled his first snaps at center without allowing a pressure.
- Baltimore Ravens: Danny Pinter’s knee injury has opened the center competition to Jovaughn Gwyn and Ethan Pocic.
- Jacksonville Jaguars: Running back LeQuint Allen Jr. is out for the rest of camp with a soft-tissue injury, creating more pressure on Ameer Abdullah and J’Mari Taylor.
These injuries are particularly important because preseason games are often the final opportunity for reserves to prove they can handle expanded responsibilities. Seattle, Los Angeles and Baltimore may now have to rely on inexperienced players at crucial positions.
Offensive Lines Remain a Major Concern
The Detroit Lions entered the offseason determined to improve their offensive line after a disappointing 2025 campaign. However, the unit allowed four sacks in the first half against Washington, including a sack-fumble on Joshua Dobbs that led to an early Commanders touchdown.
Detroit was without All-Pro tackle Penei Sewell, but the performance still raised concerns about depth and consistency. Washington faces similar problems. The Commanders are uncertain about their backup center, with Nick Allegretti limited by calf issues and Julian Good-Jones and rookie Matt Gulbin lacking experience.
The Houston Texans also have a surprising offensive line puzzle. Free-agent additions Braden Smith and Wyatt Teller, signed for a combined $36 million, worked with the second unit against Las Vegas. Houston must decide whether its expensive additions should start immediately or remain backups while other players continue to receive first-team snaps.
Other Powerful Preseason Takeaways
The Green Bay Packers may need to keep four running backs after Pierre Strong Jr. delivered a 68-yard kickoff return and added 37 rushing yards. Rookie kicker Trey Smack also remained perfect in preseason games after making field goals from 51, 59, 43 and 38 yards.
The San Francisco 49ers received a major boost from Jacob Cowing, who returned a punt 83 yards for a touchdown and strengthened his roster case. The New York Giants, meanwhile, face a difficult decision involving Odell Beckham Jr., who appears to be behind several other receivers on the depth chart.
For the Kansas City Chiefs, right tackle remains unsettled after Kahlil Benson struggled in pass protection. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers saw rookie Jalon Daniels provide an offensive spark, potentially pushing him into the backup quarterback conversation behind Baker Mayfield.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the biggest NFL preseason Week 2 storyline?
Quarterback competitions were among the biggest storylines, particularly in Dallas, Cleveland, Minnesota, Philadelphia and Tampa Bay.
When is the NFL roster cutdown deadline?
Teams must reduce their rosters to 53 players by Aug. 30, making the preseason finale especially important for players on the bubble.
Which injury could have the largest impact?
Seattle rookie safety Bud Clark’s broken ankle and Chargers center Tyler Biadasz’s ACL injury could significantly affect their teams’ depth charts.
Did Joe Milton III win the Cowboys’ backup quarterback job?
Milton has strengthened his case with strong preseason statistics, but Sam Howell remains in the competition until Dallas makes its final roster decisions.
