NFL Football 3d Briefing
×Last updated: August 15, 2026, 2:34 AM ET
Quarterback Watch
The NFL preseason is underway, offering early glimpses of talent and concerns. Tua Tagovailoa espn.com expressed frustration following the Falcons' preseason loss to the Broncos, completing 3-of-5 passes for 22 yards. Raiders rookie QB Fernando Mendoza espn.com showed promise in his debut, throwing for 97 yards and a touchdown on 10-of-16 passing against the Cardinals. Meanwhile, Jets quarterback Geno Smith espn.com is considered day-to-day with an ankle injury sustained Wednesday, causing him to miss their preseason opener against the Buccaneers. Browns coach Kevin Stefanski has named Deshaun Watson espn.com the starting quarterback for their preseason opener against the Bears, while Shedeur Sanders will start the second preseason game. Bo Nix espn.com will not play in the Broncos' preseason opener as he continues to recover from ankle surgeries, but is expected to play in the team's final two preseason games.
Training Camp Updates and Player News
Training camps are nearing their end, with several notable player updates emerging. Seahawks outside linebacker DeMarcus Lawrence espn.com confirmed that this upcoming season will be his last in the NFL. The Steelers and defensive tackle Keeanu Benton espn.com have agreed to a four-year, $72 million contract extension, making him the highest-paid defensive lineman in franchise history. Panthers tight end Darren Waller espn.com has signed a one-year deal with the team. In other news, 49ers receiver Ricky Pearsall espn.com is facing a roughly nine-month recovery period after undergoing knee surgery. Commanders defensive end Dorance Armstrong espn.com has been suspended for the season opener for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy. Bills defensive tackle Phidarian Mathis espn.com has been suspended for the first three games of the season due to a violation of the league's substance abuse policy. Falcons edge rusher James Pearce Jr. espn.com will miss the first eight games of the season for violating the league's personal conduct policy.
Team and League Developments
Several teams are navigating unique situations as the season approaches. The Chicago Bears espn.com will retain their name even if they relocate to Indiana, according to chairman George H. McCaskey. Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald cited "overwhelmingly positive" reviews as a factor in the team's decision to sign Terrion Arnold espn.com, despite the felony charges he is facing. The NFL's first regular-season game in Australia will feature entertainment from the Jonas Brothers espn.com. A California judge ruled against the Rams espn.com, stating that the team's arbitration rules were an "example of an employer's attempt to overreach" in a wrongful termination lawsuit. Former NFL sideline reporter Michele Tafoya espn.com won the Republican primary in Minnesota and will compete for a U.S. Senate seat. Former NFL quarterback Matt Hasselbeck espn.com is participating in research efforts to detect CTE in living individuals. CBS Sports president David Berson stated there is "no timetable" regarding the future of NFL analyst Tony Romo espn.com following his arrest.
Fantasy Football and Coaching Insights
As fantasy football drafts loom, analysts are providing strategic advice. Matt Bowen espn.com has released his quarterback tiers to aid in draft preparation. Mike Clay espn.com offers strategy tips for various league types and scoring setups to help managers secure a title. On the coaching front, Raiders coach Klint Kubiak espn.com is instilling a sense of urgency with his "no nonsense" approach, which players and coaches appreciate. Commanders coach Dan Quinn espn.com is focused on re-energizing his team through competition and a renewed sense of edge. The unique aspects of a Jim Harbaugh espn.com team meeting, filled with personal messages and distinctive terminology, have been highlighted.
College Talent and Record-Breaking Moments
Scouts will be keeping a close eye on specific college programs due to their abundance of NFL draft talent, including Miami and Texas espn.com. The year 2026 is shaping up to be critical for Broncos quarterback Bo Nix espn.com, as it could define his future with the team. Steelers rookie quarterbacks Drew Allar espn.com and Will Howard impressed in a preseason win against the Packers, with Allar and Howard combining for solid performances. The jersey worn by Joe Montana espn.com in Super Bowl XXIV set a new record, selling for $1.5 million. The Bears' offensive coordinator, Ben Johnson espn.com, has set an ambitious goal for his team this season: to become the highest-scoring offense in NFL history.
Injury Updates and Player Performances
Several players are dealing with injuries that could impact their availability. Cardinals rookie offensive lineman Chase Bisontis espn.com might miss the entire season after tearing his MCL. Buccaneers wide receiver Emeka Egbuka espn.com sustained a minor toe injury during a joint practice with the Jets. Saints rookie wide receiver Jordyn Tyson espn.com is sidelined with a hamstring issue. Bears safety Coby Bryant espn.com underwent knee surgery and is expected to be out for four to six months. Ravens coach Jesse Minter expressed optimism regarding cornerback Nate Wiggins espn.com's leg injury. Eagles training camp saw a scuffle between defensive tackle Moro Ojomo and offensive tackle Fred Johnson, which was noted in training camp buzz espn.com.
Player Milestones and Reflections
Travis Kelce espn.com, the Chiefs' star tight end, is confident in his ability to perform at a high level in what may be his final NFL season, and he also aims to be a more accountable leader. Kelce also reflected on his wedding with Taylor Swift, calling it the "best night of my life." Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald commented on Terrion Arnold, noting the "overwhelmingly positive" reviews the team received. The No. 5 jersey situation involving LSU's DJ Pickett and Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels is not expected to be a distraction, according to DJ Pickett espn.com.