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Because the NFL season is about to kick off in just a few weeks, the preseason offered some spectacular performances from gamers seeking to show they belong.
The preseason video games are for fringe roster gamers who, for one purpose or one other, must benefit from the reps earlier than the common season begins. Whether or not it's rookies getting their first NFL motion or gamers on the bubble hoping to safe a roster spot, August featured many gamers offering standout performances.
In some circumstances, gamers who excelled within the preseason will carry this over to the common season as a spark of their careers; in others, this preseason might be a spotlight if they’re unable to maintain the performances up when the common season begins.
Right here's a have a look at one of the best gamers from the 2026 preseason.
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NFL preseason MVP: QB Ty Simpson, Rams
Simpson was a controversial decide when the s took him within the first spherical in April, however the former Alabama quarterback had a formidable exhibiting in his first NFL motion. Simpson accomplished 47 of 60 passes in the course of the three video games, adequate for a league-leading 78.4 completion share for 382 passing yards.
The rookie quarterback added three touchdowns and no turnovers whereas main the Rams to a number of scoring drives. He made just a few very spectacular throws that confirmed why he was a first-round decide.
What a catch from Brennan Presley within the endzone! 🤲
📺 s | 📲 ia
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) 6
His preseason debut was his most spectacular, as he had 190 yards, two touchdowns and simply 4 completions towards the s.
Ty Simpson couldn’t miss in his Rams debut vs. the Chiefs Yesterday 🎯🔥
21/25, 190 PYDS, 2 PTD, 0 INT, 125.0 Ranking b
— Soccer Performances (@NFLPerformances) 6
It’s noteworthy that Simpson didn’t push the ball down the sector a lot, however he appeared to each execute and excel at operating the Rams gameplan.
Simpson will not be anticipated to play a lot within the common season because the Rams compete for a Tremendous Bowl with Matthew Stafford on the helm. Due to this fact, these reps had been essential for him earlier than the season started.
| Video games | 3 |
| Completions/Makes an attempt | 47/60 (78.3 %) |
| Passing yards | 382 |
| Touchdowns | 3 |
| Interceptions | 0 |
| Passer score | 109.9 |
NFL preseason All-Stars
QB: Joe Fagnano, Ravens
Fagnano had essentially the most spectacular numbers of any quarterback this preseason, main the league with 509 passing yards and a completion share of 74.7 %. He added three touchdowns and only one interception, absorbing a lot of the s' enjoying time at quarterback.
Joe Fagnano with a STRIKE to LaJohntay Wester in the long run zone 🙌
WASvsBAL on okay
Stream on sx— NFL (@NFL) 6
With Tyler Huntley solidified because the backup, Fagnano not less than confirmed off why a group ought to stash him as depth. The UConn product ought to discover himself as a third-stringer or follow squad possibility someplace, doubtlessly even in Baltimore.
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RB: Mike Washington Jr., Raiders
There was a quick second after Ashton Jeanty received injured when it appeared that Washington Jr. was going to be thrust into the starter position for the season. As an alternative, the rookie will enter the yr as Jeanty's backup, however he has greater than confirmed that he belongs within the NFL.
Washington averaged 7.9 yards per carry in his first two preseason video games, which included an explosive 53-yard run towards the s. Moreover, his 59.5 yards per recreation led the league coming into the ultimate week of preseason motion.
The rookie Mike Washington Jr. TAKES OFF for 53 yards 😤
Stream on sT
— NFL (@NFL) 6
WR: Jalen Brooks, Cardinals
Brooks was dominant within the preseason, as his 222 receiving yards had been simply essentially the most within the preseason. Brooks did take pleasure in enjoying within the Corridor of Fame recreation, however he took benefit of enjoying in 4 video games by totaling 15 catches and a landing.
Oh my! Carson Beck simply dropped a dime to Jalen Brooks for a 49-yard acquire, and Brooks received POPPED however nonetheless held on to the ball.
Soccer!! g1
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) 6
The Cardinals have stable depth at broad receiver however nonetheless might discover room for Brooks in a rebuild yr. If not, although, another person will certainly take a shot on a participant who had such a powerful coaching camp.
WR: D’Zhaun Stribling, 49ers
The s took Stribling with the primary decide of the second spherical of the 2026 NFL Draft, exhibiting how extremely they view the broad receiver. With Ricky Pearsall out for the yr, Stribling turns into an important a part of the season in San Francisco.
In two video games, Stribling had 11 catches for 109 yards, however appeared so as to add to his hype throughout practices as properly. He’ll enter the season with an opportunity to be one of many main receivers amongst rookies.
Strib selecting up 22 yards 😤
📺: ESPN & KPIX I
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) 6
TE: Rivaldo Fairweather, Cardinals
Fairweather's 150 receiving yards on 17 catches led all tight ends within the preseason as he battled for a spot on the Cardinals' depth chart. The 2025 undrafted free agent out of Auburn spent most of final season on the s' depth chart, however joined the Cardinals late within the season.
Because the Cardinals have Trey McBride main the way in which at tight finish, Fairweather confirmed sufficient to doubtlessly persuade one other group to take an opportunity on him for the yr.
OL: Shiyazh Pete, Cowboys
Pete is an undrafted free agent out of Kentucky who’s combating for a spot on the Cowboys' roster, however he's already made historical past as the primary member of the Navajo Nation to signal an NFL contract. In a preseason recreation towards the Cardinals, Pete blocked for a landing, then received a standing ovation from Navajo followers within the crowd.
This Cowboys rookie offensive lineman received a standing ovation after a 4th quarter preseason landing he blocked for ⬇️
Shiyazh Pete is the primary Navajo to ever signal with an NFL group. Saturday night time, Navajo nation confirmed up in Glendale, AZ, for the undrafted rookie out of… I
— Jeff Kolb (@JeffKolbFOX4) 6
Nonetheless, it was Pete's postgame speech that went viral and received the eye of the sports activities world. Pete's management abilities had been on full show, and even when he doesn't make the group, will at all times have this second to recollect.
this recreation, this star, this group will make us brothers 🗣️ d
— Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) 6
DT: Landon Robinson, Bengals
One of many standouts all through the league, Robinson actually impressed because the s determined to maintain him on their preliminary 53-man roster. The defensive deal with had 2.5 sacks and 9 tackles in three video games whereas exhibiting a formidable motor.
.ssn continues to impress…Canr wait to look at him contribute week 1….He has earned that proper ys9
— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) 6
Robinson was a seventh-round select of Navy who grew up a Bengals fan, making this second additional particular. He ought to have an opportunity to contribute as a part of Cincinnati's defensive position rotation in the course of the yr.
DT: Ty Robinson, Eagles
In case the s' defensive depth isn't robust sufficient, Ty Robinson has taken a step ahead in his second preseason. Robinson was a fourth-round decide in 2025 who performed in 11 video games final yr, however has displayed his improvement to the shock of defensive coordinator Vic Fangio.
Vic Fangio earlier this week on Ty Robinson: "He got here to life. He's been on life assist since he's been right here, however he got here to life and hopefully that may proceed."
Robinson continues to come back to life together with his sack of Tommy DeVito on third down.
— Olivia Reiner (@ReinerOlivia) 6
Robinson was the one participant within the NFL to document three sacks within the first two preseason weeks, going together with six whole sacks.
Ty Robinson was so good final night time! Introducing…
🍦 The Vanilla Gorilla Mixtape: Vol. 95 🦍 Okay
— Anthony DiBona (@DiBonaNFL) 6
DE: Bryan Thomas Jr.
Thomas Jr. popped for the s' protection all through the summer time, totaling 3.5 sacks and 11 tackles in three video games performed. The rookie compelled his approach onto the 53-man roster with that efficiency, giving him an opportunity to compete for taking part in time on the defensive position.
Jacksonville Jaguars UDFA DE Bryan Thomas Jr's Preseason Highlights D
— Duval Dive- A Jaguars Podcast (@TheDuvalDive) 6
Thomas Jr. was an undrafted free agent out of South Carolina who was very productive in his 4 years in faculty. His father, Bryan Thomas, was a profitable NFL participant in his personal proper.
LB: Purple Murdock, Broncos
The s made Murdock Mr. Irrelevant within the 2026 NFL Draft, hoping that the previous Buffalo Bulls linebacker can discover a position within the NFL. Murdock is the record-holder for many compelled fumbles in NCAA historical past, and he already appears to be discovering his footing within the NFL.
By means of two video games, Murdock produced 14 tackles whereas enjoying properly for a deep and proficient Broncos protection. Whereas there’s a variety of competitors for taking part in time in Denver, Murdock has impressed by commanding the protection within the preseason.
Purple Murdock had a really promising debut for the s.
Play energy to battle via screens and distinctive open-field tackling skill spotlight his preseason opener. Q
— Andy (@AndyyNFL) 6
LB: Anthony Hill Jr., Titans
Though the Titans had a fairly underwhelming preseason, linebacker Anthony Hill introduced a brilliant spot on protection. Tennessee took Hill within the second spherical out of Texas, and Hill instantly confirmed off why he was a top-60 decide within the spring.
Hill had 9 tackles, an interception and a cross defended throughout preseason video games, together with a standout efficiency towards the Seahawks. He ought to get enjoying time early on a younger Titans protection to start the season.
Anthony Hill Jr. was one of the best participant on the sector in Seahawks vs. Titans j
— NFL Draft Recordsdata (@NFL_DF) 6
CB: Beanie Bishop Jr., Bears
Bishop has bounced across the league however ought to stick on a Bears protection that may want some turnover potential. The 26-year-old secured two interceptions towards the Browns within the second preseason recreation, one towards Shedeur Sanders and once more vs. Dillon Gabriel.
Beanie Bishop Jr. takes it away
📺: FOX32 6
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) 6
Beanie Bishop Jr. AGAIN
📺: FOX32 g
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) 6
Bishop's two interceptions stand out within the preseason, as only a few gamers have produced a number of turnovers in the course of the summer time.
CB: Damar Hamlin, Payments
Hamlin had a very nice efficiency all through the summer time, ending the stretch as considered one of three gamers with two interceptions in recreation motion. Hamlin picked of Steelers quarterback Will Howard first, then adopted that up with an interception of Shedeur Sanders.
Shedeur Sanders with a throw a bit behind his goal right here. Tipped and picked by Damar Hamlin. L
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) 6
The efficiency ought to enable Hamlin to make the Payments as a depth defensive again possibility underneath a brand new teaching employees.
S: Zakee Wheatley, Panthers
A fifth-round select of Penn State, Wheatley has stood out for the Panthers within the group's secondary to this point. The security performed in every of Carolina's first three preseason video games, totaling 18 tackles whereas forcing a fumble within the Corridor of Fame recreation towards the Cardinals.
Finest PFF defensive grades by class vs. AZ within the HOF Sport
General: Zakee Wheatley* – 88.0 🔵
Run Def: Wheatley – 84.7 🔵
Tackling: Wheatley – 87.4 🔵
Move Rush: Elijah Garcia – 85.9 🔵
Protection: Isaiah Simmons – 82.4 🔵 V— Edgar Salmingo, Jr. ✌🏽 (@PanthersAnalyst) 6
Wheatley is at the moment a backup on the Panthers depth chart however might earn enjoying time over the course of the season.
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KR/PR: Jacob Cowing
Cowing was the one returner to attain a particular groups landing in the course of the first two weeks of the preseason, incomes him a nod on this group. A fourth-round decide in 2024, Cowing has but to make a mark within the NFL however might have an opportunity to contribute this yr each on particular groups and on offense.
Cowing's return went for 83 yards as he sidestepped the sidelines to discover a gap in Los Angeles' protection unit.
JACOB COWING WITH THE 83-YARD PUNT RETURN TD 🏠
SFvsLAC on okay
Stream on sF— NFL (@NFL) 6
Okay: Trey Smack, Packers
The Packers hope that Smack will be the reply to their kicking issues, and the rookie out of Florida is off to a great begin to this point. Smack has made all seven of his makes an attempt up to now, together with an extended of 59 yards and three kicks over 50 yards general.
Trey Smack nessa pré-temporada:
7/7 em discipline targets
4/4 em discipline targets de 50+ jardasOs Packers acharam seu novo kicker 👀 B
— NFL Brasil (@NFLBrasil) 6
Inexperienced Bay's particular groups unit has been a difficulty lately, so Smack's improvement is an underrated storyline for the franchise. If Smack can maintain this going into the common season, the Packers can have a brand new weapon.
P: Brett Thorson, Vikings
Thorson competed with veteran Johnny Hekker throughout coaching camp, and he efficiently received the Vikings punter job with a powerful exhibiting. Of Thorson's eight punts in the course of the preseason, he landed 5 contained in the 20-yard-line with an extended of 58 yards and a mean of 47.5 yards.