The 2026 NFL preseason moved into full action Saturday with seven games across the league. Teams used the day to test rookies, new players and young talent. Several players made strong first impressions.
The results also gave coaches more information before the regular season begins. With many star players sitting out, the focus was on players fighting for jobs and bigger roles.
The Dallas Cowboys opened the day with a 17-7 win over the Seattle Seahawks. Quarterback Sam Howell started for Dallas and played well. He completed 8 of 12 passes for 94 yards and threw a 39-yard touchdown.
The touchdown went to undrafted rookie Camden Brown. Brown made two touchdown catches in the game. His play could help him earn a place on the Cowboys roster.
Seattle saw strong work from its young safeties. Bud Clark had three tackles, while Rodney Thomas II made five. Both players stayed on the field deep into the game.
The Baltimore Ravens beat the Philadelphia Eagles 24-7. Rookie receiver Ja’Kobi Lane continued his strong training camp with a touchdown. He caught three passes for 38 yards.
Ravens tight end Matthew Hibner also stood out. The fourth-round pick caught five passes for 61 yards. His play could help him win the team’s No. 3 tight end role.
The Eagles had a strong rookie performance from tackle Markel Bell. The third-round pick started at right tackle and showed good power. He also helped push a defender back on a run play.
The Jacksonville Jaguars beat the New Orleans Saints 24-20. Rookie running back J’Mari Taylor made a strong push after halftime. He gained 58 yards and scored a touchdown on 12 second-half carries.
Defensive rookies Albert Regis and Jalen Huskey also helped Jacksonville. Regis recorded a sack, while Huskey made three tackles and broke up a pass.
The Los Angeles Rams produced one of the biggest rookie stories of the night. First-round quarterback Ty Simpson completed 21 of 25 passes for 190 yards. He also threw two touchdowns without an interception.
That performance gave the Rams a reason to feel good about their young quarterback. Simpson showed good control and made quick decisions under pressure.
The Kansas City Chiefs also saw several young players make an impact. Edge rusher R Mason Thomas recorded two tackles, a quarterback hit and a pass deflection.
Running back Emmett Johnson led Kansas City with 59 rushing yards. Receiver Cyrus Allen also made a strong catch for a 13-yard gain.
The Minnesota Vikings beat the New York Giants 13-10. New quarterback Kyler Murray played only one drive. He completed two of three passes for 10 yards.
Rookie running back Demond Claiborne received a long look. He carried the ball 12 times on 12 snaps. He showed quick speed but could not score on two attempts from the 1-yard line.
The Vikings also had a concern when Jamal Adams left with an injury after 11 snaps.
The Giants had a notable return of their own. Odell Beckham Jr. played at MetLife Stadium in a Giants uniform for the first time in almost eight years. He caught two passes for six yards and showed that he can still get open.
The Chicago Bears had a strong 34-10 win over the Cleveland Browns. Rookie cornerback Malik Muhammad made five tackles. Defensive tackle Jordan Van den Berg added three quarterback hits.
The Bears also got two interceptions from Beanie Bishop Jr. He picked off passes from Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel.
Cleveland still had some bright spots. Rookie KC Concepcion caught three passes for 27 yards. He also returned a punt 31 yards and scored on a 14-yard run.
The Buffalo Bills finished the day with a 29-14 win over the Carolina Panthers. New receiver DJ Moore made his Bills debut with three catches for 61 yards on 10 snaps.
Buffalo also got a sack from rookie edge rusher TJ Parker. Kani Walker added an interception, while Mike Danna recorded two sacks.
Carolina saw strong play from Jaelan Phillips. The new edge rusher recorded a sack and two pressures on the opening drive. Quarterback Kenny Pickett completed 16 of 19 passes for 92 yards and a touchdown.
Overall, Saturday gave teams a useful look at their young players. Some rookies strengthened their roster chances. Others still have work to do.
More preseason games will follow soon. The next few weeks will help teams decide which players are ready for bigger roles when the regular season begins.
