Week 2 Preseason Insights: Key Quarterback and Running Back Concerns Emerge

Week 2 of the 2026 NFL preseason began on Thursday, offering greater insight into position competitions and the effort to finalize 53‑man rosters ahead of the Aug. 30 cut‑down deadline. Thursday’s slate featured two games, while Friday’s schedule includes three contests. A severe thunderstorm in Jacksonville forced officials to end the fourth‑quarter game at the two‑minute warning due to lightning. Additional games are slated for Saturday, concluding with the inaugural Sunday night matchup of the season.

Friday’s games

Jets: Who’s the No. 2 quarterback? Rookie Cade Klubnik delivered a solid performance, completing 10 of 14 passes for 75 yards over five drives, though he failed to score and managed only four plays inside Pittsburgh’s 20-yard line. While the Steelers limited their starters to two series, the organization appears ready to name Klubnik as Geno Smith’s backup, and the team may now consider external options.

Next game: vs New York Giants (Aug. 28, 7:30 p.m. ET)

Safety Andre Cisco recorded an interception, bolstering his bid for the starting role, though the play occurred on the second‑team defense. Incumbent Dane Belton started and contributed four tackles. The competition for the WR3 spot pits rookie Omar Cooper Jr., who made one reception for 9 yards, against Isaiah Williams, whose fumble was recovered by the Jets. – Rich Cimini

Steelers: Which position gets reduced to accommodate four quarterbacks? Mason Rudolph appears to have secured the QB2 role despite not taking a snap, while Will Howard struggled and rookie Drew Allar did not match his early‑season explosiveness. Unless Howard is placed on the practice squad, the Steelers are likely to retain four quarterbacks, which will require roster cuts elsewhere. The most flexible positions for reductions are the offensive line and safety, given veterans such as Brock Hoffman and Jalen Ramsey.

Next game: at Buffalo Bills (Aug. 28, 7 p.m. ET, NFL Network)

Panthers: Is there a second starting-caliber inside linebacker on the roster? With Devin Lloyd sidelined, Trevin Wallace and Claudin Cherelus both started, yet neither has gained a clear advantage in the linebacker competition this summer. The depth behind Lloyd may still be strengthened before Week 1.

Next game: vs. Houston Texans (Aug. 28, 7 p.m. ET)

Jaguars: What will they do at running back? LeQuint Allen Jr. remains sidelined with a soft‑tissue injury, leaving the Jaguars to consider options behind starters Chris Rodriguez Jr. and Bhayshul Tuten. Veteran Ameer Abdullah, who contributed 45 rushing yards and three receptions for 37 yards against the Panthers, or undrafted rookie J’Mari Taylor, who posted 78 yards and a touchdown in Week 1 but managed only 3 yards on four carries Friday, are the leading candidates. The final decision may hinge on which player the team feels comfortable adding to the practice squad.

Next game: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Aug. 28, 7:30 p.m. ET)

Packers: Do they have to find a way to keep four running backs? Even if Josh Jacobs’ legal issues do not result in a suspension, the Packers may retain four running backs, with Pierre Strong Jr. emerging as a prime candidate for kickoff returns and occasional carries. Strong posted a 68‑yard return in the first half and logged 37 yards on eight carries (4.6‑yard average), including consecutive gains of 12 and 7 yards. MarShawn Lloyd and third‑down back Chris Brooks remain on the roster, and if Jacobs is charged or suspended before the regular season, Strong is expected to stay.

Next game: vs. Arizona Cardinals (Aug. 28, 8 p.m. ET)

Broncos: What will they decide to do at safety? To add experience behind starters Talanoa Hufanga and Brandon Jones, the Broncos signed veteran safety Taylor Rapp, underscoring their intent to strengthen the defense. Reserve safety Devon Key, an All‑Pro special teams selection last season, has been the most reliable in game and practice snaps, while JL Skinner and Tycen Anderson have primarily contributed on special teams and have been less consistent. The team also faces lingering concerns from last season’s inside linebacker and offensive‑line issues.

Next game: vs. Minnesota Vikings (Aug. 28, 9 p.m. ET, NFL Network)

Thursday’s games

49ers: What is the state of the receiver and guard depth charts? The 49ers’ receiver and guard depth charts remain uncertain, but Jacob Cowing bolstered his case with a special‑teams highlight. He returned a punt 83 yards for a touchdown and is the team’s most dependable punt returner, increasing his chances of making the initial 53‑man roster, potentially at the expense of a veteran.

Next game: at Las Vegas Raiders (Aug. 27, 8 p.m. ET, ESPN Unlimited)

Chargers: Is Jake Slaughter ready to be the starting center? The Chargers’ biggest news this week was the ACL injury to center Tyler Biadasz, which occurred Tuesday and will keep him sidelined indefinitely.

Next game: vs. Los Angeles Rams (Aug. 27, 10 p.m. ET, NFL Network)

Raiders: How much confidence do the Raiders have in their secondary? Las Vegas’ secondary shows promise, yet its success in 2026 remains uncertain. Second‑year cornerback Darien Porter, formerly a wide receiver, is still learning his position and has ample room for development after ten rookie games. Fourth‑round rookie Jermod McCoy, recovering from a knee injury that kept him out for over a year, will need time to regain form. Fifth‑round rookie Hezekiah Masses is also in a learning phase. Second‑round safety Treydan Stukes has the highest upside as a rookie, though his development is being managed carefully as he is expected to play deep safety and nickel.

Next game: vs. San Francisco 49ers (Aug. 27, 8 p.m. ET, ESPN Unlimited)

Jacob Cowing turns on the jets for an 83-yard punt return TD for 49ers

Texans: What will Houston’s offensive line eventually look like? Houston’s offensive line composition remains uncertain. Starting tackles on Thursday were Trent Brown and Aireontae Ersery. First‑round pick Keylan Rutledge began at left guard, a position he has occupied throughout training camp, while Evan Brown received first‑team snaps. Ed Ingram started at right guard, leaving free‑agent signings Braden Smith and Wyatt Teller to operate with the second unit.

Next game: at Carolina Panthers (Aug. 28, 7 p.m. ET)

Saturday’s games

Washington Commanders at Detroit Lions, noon ET
Buffalo Bills at Cleveland Browns, 1 p.m. ET
Atlanta Falcons at Indianapolis Colts, 1 p.m. ET
Baltimore Ravens at Minnesota Vikings, 1 p.m. ET
New Orleans Saints at Los Angeles Rams, 4 p.m. ET
New York Giants at Miami Dolphins, 4 p.m. ET
Chicago Bears at Cincinnati Bengals, 7 p.m. ET
Philadelphia Eagles at New England Patriots, 7 p.m. ET
Kansas City Chiefs at Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 7:30 p.m. ET
Dallas Cowboys at Arizona Cardinals, 10 p.m. ET

Sunday’s game

Seattle Seahawks at Tennessee Titans, 8 p.m. ET

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