Full Breakdown
Rookie Showcases Define Week One of the 2026 NFL Preseason
8/17/2026, 2:03:02 AM
Core Event: Standout Rookie Performances in Week One
During the first full week of the 2026 NFL preseason, several recent college stars made notable impacts in their debut exhibitions. Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson entered the Los Angeles Rams’ game against the Kansas City Chiefs in the second quarter and completed 21 of 25 passes for 190 yards with two fourth-quarter touchdowns, helping the Rams to a 20-12 victory. Alabama wide receiver Germie Bernard recorded four catches for 51 yards in the Pittsburgh Steelers’ 28-9 win over the Green Bay Packers, including a 19-yard reception and a 25-yard catch on the second drive.
Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik started for the New York Jets against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, completing five of seven passes for 56 yards and directing two scoring drives without a turnover.
These performances earned each player a spot on USA TODAY Sports’ preseason “winners” list, highlighting their potential as the teams continue roster evaluations.
Background & Context
The NFL preseason serves as a three-week trial period during which teams assess roster candidates before trimming to the 53-man limit. Media outlets routinely compile “winners and losers” lists to spotlight players who either exceeded or fell short of expectations. This week’s list emphasized former college standouts who transitioned quickly to the professional level, offering coaches early indicators for depth-chart decisions.
Data & Statistics
- Ty Simpson (Rams): 21/25 completions, 190 passing yards, 2 TDs; both touchdowns to rookie running back Dean Connors.
- Germie Bernard (Steelers): 4 receptions, 51 yards; notable 19-yard and 25-yard catches on the second drive.
- Cade Klubnik (Jets): 5/7 completions, 56 yards, 0 turnovers; connected twice with receiver Garrett Wilson and led two scoring drives.
- R Thomas (Chiefs): 2 assisted tackles, 1 QB hit, 1 pass breakup in the Rams-Chiefs game.
- Gracen Halton (49ers): 4 total tackles (2 solo) and a sack that was nullified by a penalty in the 49ers-Titans game.
These numbers illustrate the immediate contributions of rookies across offensive and defensive units.
Official Statements & Responses
Coach Aaron Glenn praised Klubnik’s composure, describing his debut as “sharp and composed” and suggesting the quarterback merits a closer look as a potential backup for the Jets.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Bernard's showing is likely the most consequential to a team trying to retain its playoff contender credentials under Mike McCarthy and Aaron Rodgers. The former Alabama standout showcased all of his selling points -- consistent separation, trustworthy hands and abundant run-after catch ability -- that helped make him a second-round pick.” — Mason Rudolph. Middlehurst-Schwartz, NFL analyst
- “It was a fairly unremarkable night in debuts for Gang Green, with the Buccaneers giving No. 2 overall pick David Bailey plenty of attention to keep the edge rusher at bay. Klubnik, however, was the clear exception. The (fourth-round) quarterback looked sharp and composed in his run with the first-stringers, twice connecting with top receiver Garrett Wilson and directing two scoring drives.” — Coach Aaron Glenn
What’s Next
The Rams travel to face the New Orleans Saints in their next preseason contest, while the Steelers host the New York Jets. The Steelers and Jets will each look to expand the roles of their rookie contributors in the upcoming exhibition games.
