Full Breakdown
Preseason Week 2 Highlights: Winners, Losers and Roster Implications Across Three NFL Teams
8/24/2026, 2:00:36 AM
Core Outcomes of the Week-2 Exhibitions
During the second week of the 2026 NFL preseason, the Cleveland Browns, Kansas City Chiefs and Dallas Cowboys each faced opponents in games that ended with decisive scores—31-7 (Browns vs. Bills), 15-16 (Chiefs vs. Buccaneers) and 34-13 (Cowboys vs. Cardinals). Although preseason results do not affect regular-season standings, the performances provided clear signals about which players are likely to secure roster spots, which backups impressed, and where depth concerns remain.
Key Performances and Roster Implications
Cleveland Browns vs. Buffalo Bills (Cleveland, Ohio)
- Quarterback competition: Shedeur Sanders completed 9 of 11 passes for 74 yards and a touchdown, with one interception. Deshaun Watson managed 5 of 12 for 35 yards. Sanders’ composure gave him an edge for the starting role.
- Defensive depth: The Browns’ defense struggled to make tackles and allowed the Bills to average four yards per carry. Highlights included a sack by Mike Hall and solid reads from Nathaniel Watson and Winston Reid.
- Offensive line prospects: Backups KT Leveston, Dawand Jones, Luke Wypler, Austin Barber and Zak Zinter performed well enough to be considered viable backups, with Leveston’s screen-block fake receiving particular praise.
Kansas City Chiefs vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Tampa, Florida) – August 22, 2026
- Pass-rush impact: Defensive end Felix Anudike-Uzomah recorded four pressures in 16 snaps and posted a 26.7 % pass-rush win rate, the highest among Chiefs linemen. Rookie edge rusher R Mason Thomas added a quarterback hit and a hurry.
- Kicker resurgence: Harrison Butker made three field goals, including a 69-yard attempt, and was perfect on his first seven attempts before missing a PAT and a 43-yard field goal later in the game.
- Offensive line concerns: Right tackle Kahlil Benson showed flashes of dominance but also allowed two pressures that led to a strip sack.
Dallas Cowboys vs. Arizona Cardinals (Glendale, Arizona)
- Quarterback battle: Joe Milton III completed 9 of 13 passes for 179 yards and two touchdowns, adding a rushing touchdown. Milton’s efficiency positioned him as the frontrunner for the backup quarterback role.
- Running back depth: Malik Davis rushed for 29 yards on five carries and scored a touchdown, while Jaydon Blue accumulated 75 yards on 15 carries, emerging as a strong candidate for the RB2 spot.
- Defensive standouts: Linebacker Jaishawn Barham recorded five tackles, including a tackle for loss, and earned “green-dot” defensive-call responsibilities in his preseason debut. Cornerback Shavon Revel intercepted a pass and returned it 22 yards.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
No source provided contradictory statistics for the same metric; however, the assessments of Harrison Butker’s overall preseason success differ. One analysis highlighted his long-field-goal accuracy but noted missed PATs and a 43-yard attempt, while another emphasized his consistency without mentioning the missed kicks. The discrepancy reflects differing emphasis rather than factual conflict.
What’s Next
Teams will continue to evaluate performances in the final preseason game before finalizing rosters later this month. Coaches are expected to make additional decisions on starting quarterback designations, offensive line depth charts, and defensive edge-rusher rotations based on the trends identified in Week 2.
