The 2026 NFL preseason kicked off with Week 1, offering early glimpses of rookies and new team members. In the Cardinals vs. Raiders game, Cardinals' No. 3 pick Jeremiyah Love impressed with 58 rushing yards. For the Raiders, the quarterback battle between Kirk Cousins and rookie Fernando Mendoza was evident. Cousins led an opening drive touchdown, while Mendoza showed resilience, completing 10 of 16 passes for 97 yards and a touchdown, though he struggled under pressure.

In the Steelers vs. Packers matchup, rookie quarterback Drew Allar led the Steelers to three touchdowns, connecting with receiver Kaden Wetjen twice for scores and adding a rushing touchdown. Second-round receiver Germie Bernard also showed promise. The Packers saw rookie cornerback Brandon Cisse and kicker Trey Smack perform well. First-year QB Kyle Mc Cord also had a strong outing.

Other notable preseason debuts included Bengals' rookie DE Cashius Howell recovering a fumble, Lions' rookie QB Luke Altmyer throwing for 130 yards and a touchdown despite two interceptions, and Patriots' seventh-round RB Jam Miller rushing for 55 yards. Colts' rookie LB Bryce Boettcher and DE George Gumbs Jr. made impacts defensively.