Full Breakdown
2026 NFL Preseason Week 1: Rookie Showcases, Injuries and Early Fantasy Signals
8/15/2026, 8:07:57 AM
Preseason Week 1 Overview
Thursday opened the 2026 preseason with six games. Teams rotated starters to evaluate depth-chart candidates, highlighting several promising rookies, a handful of injuries, and early fantasy clues.
Notable Rookie Performances
- Jeremiyah Love (Cardinals, No. 3 overall): 11 carries for 58 yards (5.3 YPC) and three receptions for 14 yards, 24 offensive snaps.
- Drew Allar (Steelers, QB): three TD passes, including a 74-yard strike to Kaden Wetjen, plus a 3-yard rush.
- Mike Washington Jr. (Raiders, RB): 53-yard rush and a 6-yard TD pass to TE Jack Bech.
- Jam Miller (Patriots, RB): 55 yards on 14 carries (3.9 YPC) after stepping in for an injured starter.
- De’Zhaun Stribling (49ers, WR): seven catches for 62 yards, highlighted by a 32-yard over-the-shoulder grab.
- Kyle McCord (Bengals, QB): 12-of-14 for 102 yards.
- Trey Smack (Packers, K): made 37-, 58-, and 38-yard field goals; a second 58-yard attempt was nullified by a penalty.
Defensive rookies: Bryce Boettcher (Colts, LB) three tackles; Kayden McDonald (Texans, DT) solid run-stuffing over 21 plays; Caden Curry (Colts, DE) a sack, five tackles and two pressures.
Injuries and Roster Implications
- Chase Bisontis (Cardinals, G) left with a left-knee injury; Isaiah Adams now leads the right-guard battle.
- Teddy Bridgewater (Vikings, QB) retired, prompting the Lions to start undrafted rookie Luke Altmyer (13-of-21, 130 yds, 1 TD, 2 INT) and sign Joshua Dobbs as backup.
- Kurtis Rourke (Lions, QB) exited with a rib injury after a 12-of-14, 104-yard effort.
These injuries reshaped depth charts on the line and at quarterback.
Coaching Comments and Official Responses
- Mike LaFleur (Cardinals) noted Love could have stayed in if the game mattered, emphasizing fresh backs.
- Klint Kubiak (Raiders) called the QB competition a “job to lose” for Kirk Cousins, keeping Fernando Mendoza as a red-draft stash.
- Matt LaFleur (Packers) explained the 58-yard field goal was removed after a penalty gave a first down.
- Mike Vrabel (Patriots) said kicker Andy Borregales was expected to make long attempts after missing three beyond 49 yards.
- Shane Steichen (Colts) confirmed Anthony Richardson would start the first half, with Riley Leonard taking over later.
Fantasy Football Implications
- Jeremiyah Love looks like a weekly starter given his snap count and touches.
- Mike Washington Jr. sits as the Raiders’ No. 2 back.
- De’Zhaun Stribling offers high-volume target potential for red-draft value.
- Trey Smack shows range but also volatility.
- Injuries to Bisontis and Bridgewater may affect late-round guard and QB picks.
Upcoming Schedule
Preseason games continue against the Cowboys, Texans, Jets and others over the next two days, providing more rookie evaluations before the regular season.
