USA TODAY International Edition
Rookie quarterbacks in the Week 2 spotlight
The second week of the NFL preseason is here, and rookie quarterbacks again will be under the microscope.
THURSDAY
(All times Eastern)
Philadelphia Eagles at New England Patriots, 7:30 p.m.: This will have to suffice for a Super Bowl LII rematch, as Philadelphia and New England won’t meet in the regular season. After missing the preseason opener, Super Bowl MVP Nick Foles is expected to play. Pittsburgh Steelers at Green Bay Packers, 8 p.m.: Aaron Rodgers likely will see his only snaps of the preseason when the Steelers visit Lambeau Field. Pittsburgh, however, will sit Ben Roethlisberger. New York Jets at Washington Redskins, 8 p.m. (ESPN): Rookie quarterback Sam Darnold looked impressive in his preseason debut and has been rolling with the first string this week. A huge op- portunity awaits for Darnold to stake his claim on the Week 1 starting spot.
FRIDAY
Kansas City Chiefs at Atlanta Falcons, 7 p.m.: Chiefs coach Andy Reid indicated that Patrick Mahomes and the first-team offense will play the first half against the Falcons, who will look to rebound from a listless performance against the Jets. New York Giants at Detroit Lions, 7 p.m.: Saquon Barkley busted off a 39yard run on his first preseason carry. His playing status for Friday is uncertain after tweaking his hamstring Monday. Buffalo Bills at Cleveland Browns,
7:30 p.m. (NFL Network): Not only are the Browns on HBO’s Hard Knocks, but every one of the team’s preseason games is on national television. Rookie quarterbacks will continue to be under the microscope, as the Browns’ Baker Mayfield and Bills’ Josh Allen look to build off of their debuts. Miami Dolphins at Carolina Panthers,
7:30 p.m.: Ryan Tannehill played in a game for the first time in nearly 20 months in Miami’s opener. While Tan- nehill will look to build off his return, expect to see more of Brock Osweiler, David Fales and Bryce Petty. In Carolina, the backup spot behind Cam Newton is also up for grabs between Garrett Gilbert and Taylor Heinicke. Arizona Cardinals at New Orleans Saints, 8 p.m.: After playing in one series in the opener, Sam Bradford should see more field time when the Cardinals visit New Orleans. Saints starting quarterback Drew Brees should see limited playing time, which should mean another long run for Tom Savage.
SATURDAY
Jacksonville Jaguars at Minnesota
Vikings, 1 p.m. (NFL Network): A tripleheader of nationally televised preseason games kicks off with Kirk Cousins’ second game with the Vikings. His
tenure in Minnesota got off to a strong start, albeit in one series. Oakland Raiders at Los Angeles Rams, 4 p.m. (NFL Network): The Raiders return to their old stomping grounds at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, and the Silver and Black should have a sizable contingent of fans on hand. Cincinnati Bengals at Dallas Cowboys, 7 p.m. (NFL Network): The Cowboys’ revamped receiving corps will face another test from the Bengals’ secondary. Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Tennessee Titans, 8 p.m.: The first two picks of the 2015 NFL draft, Jameis Winston and Marcus Mariota, face each other ahead of what could be a crucial season for both quarterbacks. San Francisco 49ers at Houston
Texans, 8 p.m.: These two teams have already displayed some fireworks this week, as Texans receiver DeAndre Hopkins was ejected from a joint practice for fighting with 49ers defensive back Jimmie Ward.
Chicago Bears at Denver Broncos,
9:05 p.m.: Case Keenum struggled in his Broncos debut, and Paxton Lynch was demoted to third-string quarterback. But the Bears are also looking for more from their passing offense, which could get a boost from the preseason debut of receiver Allen Robinson. Seattle Seahawks at Los Angeles Chargers, 10 p.m. (NFL Network): With first-round draft pick Rashaad Penny potentially out for the rest of camp, per reports, second-year running back Chris Carson has an opening to seize the starting spot.
MONDAY
Baltimore Ravens at Indianapolis
Colts, 8 p.m. (ESPN): Andrew Luck’s return after 19 months away from playing continues in prime time. Ravens rookie quarterback Lamar Jackson is still searching for some consistency after uneven outings in his first two games.