NFL Football 24 Hours

Last updated: August 16, 2026, 7:21 AM ET

Preseason Week 1 Standouts

The NFL preseason kicked off with plenty of memorable moments across the league. Ja'Kobi Lane scored a touchdown to continue his impressive banner preseason, while Ty Simpson threw for 190 yards and two touchdowns in his debut against the Chiefs. Deshaun Watson completed 11 of 15 passes for 126 yards in his first game since the 2024 season, leading two scoring drives. Meanwhile, Tua Tagovailoa expressed frustration after going 3-of-5 for 22 yards in the Falcons' preseason loss to the Broncos.

Quarterback Battles Heat Up

Several teams saw key performances from their signal-callers during the opening week of preseason action. Geno Smith is day-to-day with an ankle injury that sidelined him against the Buccaneers, while Jaxson Dart was "puzzled" after being checked for a concussion during the Giants' game against the Vikings. Troy Aikman will see some restrictions similar to Tom Brady's role as he prepares for Monday Night Football broadcasts.

Bears Dominate with Randle El at the Helm

Antwaan Randle El took over playcalling duties in the second half, helping Chicago score 24 unanswered points in a 34-10 win over the Browns. His strategic adjustments sparked a dominant performance that showcased the team's offensive capabilities.

Seahawks Make Major Moves

Devon Witherspoon and the Seattle Seahawks reached an agreement on a four-year extension worth $132 million, making him one of the highest-paid cornerbacks in the league. DeMarcus Lawrence confirmed that his 13th NFL season will be his last, adding veteran leadership to a young Seahawks defense. The team also cited "overwhelmingly positive" reviews in their decision to add Terrion Arnold, despite his off-field concerns.

Steelers Lock Up Defensive Talent

Keeanu Benton has agreed to a four-year, $72 million extension with the Steelers, making him the highest-paid defensive lineman in franchise history. His performance throughout training camp and preseason solidified his place as a cornerstone of Pittsburgh's defensive line.

Injury Updates Across the League

Rookie running back Jeremiyah Love will miss the next week due to a sore ankle he suffered against the Raiders. Jamal Adams was carted off to the locker room shortly after his preseason debut with the Vikings, raising concerns about his availability Discipline and Suspensions

Falcons edge rusher James Pearce Jr. will be suspended for eight games by the NFL for violating the league's personal conduct policy. The league announced the suspension on Friday afternoon, impacting the team's pass rush rotation.

Off the Field: Kelce's Big Day

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce shared his first public comments regarding his wedding with Taylor Swift, calling it "the best night of my life." His joy was evident as he reflected on the special occasion at Madison Square Garden.

Mets Troll Jayden Daniels

In a lighthearted moment, the New York Mets trolled Jayden Daniels over his jersey number dispute with LSU, joining the growing list of teams poking fun at the situation. The banter added some entertainment value to the preseason coverage.

Highmark Stadium Opens

Fans and players alike got their first look at the new Highmark Stadium during the Buffalo Bills' "Return of the Blue & Red night" on Saturday. ESPN chronicled the event, capturing the excitement and impressions from those who experienced the state-of-the-art facility firsthand.

Training Camp Awards and Analysis

As training camps wind down and preseason action heats up, NFL analyst Solak handed out his 10 completely made-up awards, recognizing the players, teams, and position battles that have stood out the most during the intense summer sessions.

Fantasy Football Prep

For fantasy football enthusiasts, ESPN released its comprehensive 2026 cheat sheets, providing downloadable and printable resources to help managers prepare for draft season. Additionally, Eric Karabell's "Do Draft" list highlights players like Derrick Henry and Patrick Mahomes who are being drafted later than they should be, offering valuable insights for savvy fantasy managers.

With preseason Week 1 in the books, teams will regroup and prepare for the second week of exhibition play. The performances this weekend have already provided plenty of storylines heading into the regular season, with quarterback competitions, injury concerns, and contract situations all playing key roles in shaping each team's trajectory.