2025 NFL preseason Week 1: Takeaways on new players

The 2025 NFL preseason kicked off Thursday and continues through Sunday with several rookies playing their first snaps.

Week 1 of preseason games serves as a first look into the new players on each team, whether they are rookies or offseason acquisitions. To keep you updated on how players fared in their first game action, our NFL Nation reporters summarize the top debuts below.

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Sunday

Bears: The Bears used first-round tight end Colston Loveland on only six offensive snaps but got their other two drafted skill players ample work, with second-round wide receiver Luther Burden III and seventh-round running back Kyle Monangai on the field for 25 offensive snaps each.

Burden was targeted three times and turned in two catches for 29 yards, including a sideline play where he picked up a first down and quickly got out of bounds to put Cairo Santos in position for a 57-yard field goal before halftime. Monangai displayed his physical rushing style and willingness to power through contact to the tune of five yards per carry (six carries for 30 yards).

With so much veteran receiver depth, UDFA rookie Jahdae Walker will have a steep climb up the depth chart but led the team in receiving (three receptions for 41 yards) and caught a 14-yard touchdown from quarterback Case Keenum. — Courtney Cronin

Next game: vs. Buffalo Bills (8 p.m. ET, Aug. 17)

Dolphins: Sunday saw a shaky debut for rookie quarterback Quinn Ewers, whose first five passes fell incomplete before he found running back Alexander Mattison on a check down. The seventh-round pick out of Texas was also strip-sacked at the Dolphins’ 5-yard line on his second drive of the game. Miami’s backup offensive line didn’t help him much, but Ewers looked like a rookie. He had the opportunity to lead the Dolphins on a game-winning drive but was strip-sacked again on fourth-and-long after largely struggling throughout the drive. He finished 5-of-19 passing for 91 yards and two lost fumbles.

New backup QB Zach Wilson didn’t fare much better, short-arming a pair of attempts to his tight ends in the flat — one of which, to Tanner Conner, would’ve been an easy touchdown but fell incomplete. But Wilson did complete 5-of-9 passes for 96 yards, playing all but one series in the first half. He was pressured constantly, as the struggles of Miami’s depth linemen affected Wilson’s processing speed. — Marcel Louis-Jacques

Next game: at Detroit Lions (1 p.m. ET, Saturday)

Saturday

Steelers: With most of Pittsburgh’s starters sitting this one out, new-to-the-Steelers veterans made the biggest impact.

Safety Juan Thornhill popped — literally — on the Jaguars’ first drive with a big hit on WR Brian Thomas Jr. Then, later in the first half, fellow veteran defensive back Brandin Echols, the team’s top reserve corner, made a statement with a big hit and a pass breakup.

The rookies weren’t quite as successful in their first NFL action. Running back Kaleb Johnson got plenty of opportunities with 22 snaps, but he averaged 2.5 yards on eight carries and was stuffed twice. He also had a bad drop on a Mason Rudolph pass, but he bounced back with a 6-yard catch off play-action in the second quarter.

Meanwhile, first-round pick DL Derrick Harmon played 30 snaps, recording one quarterback pressure and zero tackles. — Brooke Pryor

Next game: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7 p.m. ET, Saturday)

Jaguars: Travis Hunter played both ways against Pittsburgh at EverBank Stadium, but other than that, it was a quiet debut for the Heisman Trophy winner and No. 2 pick.

Hunter played 10 snaps on offense — all coming with the first team on the opening drive — and had two catches for 9 yards, with another catch nullified by an illegal block penalty on left guard Ezra Cleveland. Hunter also played eight snaps on defense and had one missed tackle.

Receiver Dyami Brown, signed in free agency after a strong playoff run with Washington, played one series and did not have a target. However, he did have a 7-yard carry on a jet sweep on a fourth-and-1 play from the Jaguars’ 42-yard line. Brown will be the Jaguars’ No. 2 or 3 receiver, depending on how much Hunter plays on offense. — Michael DiRocco

Next game: at New Orleans Saints (1 p.m. ET, Aug. 17)

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Broncos: As the Denver Broncos rookie class dipped its collective toe into the preseason — rookie running back RJ Harvey got the start, undrafted rookie linebacker Karene Reid had a leaping interception and undrafted rookie CB Joshua Pickett had a toe-tap interception in the game — it was 29-year-old wide receiver Trent Sherfield Sr. who was the new face with the biggest impact Saturday night.

Sherfield, who signed a two-year deal in free agency, had 73 yards on his three receptions, including a top-shelf toe tap for a 36-yard touchdown catch in the second quarter. In a crowded group of receivers, Sherfield has consistently shown in training camp that he can offer far more to the team than quality special teams play. — Jeff Legwold

Next game: vs. Arizona Cardinals (9:30 p.m. ET, Saturday)

49ers: Only three projected Week 1 starters played for the Niners, giving backup QB Mac Jones a chance to make a first impression against (most of) Denver’s starting defense. Jones got off to a good start, connecting on his first four passes, including a 50-yarder to rookie WR Jordan Watkins to set up a touchdown. Jones’ protection didn’t hold up much after that, as he was sacked twice and didn’t complete any of his other three attempts, including an interception.

Plenty of snaps for rookie defensive tackles C.J. West and Alfred Collins and safety Marques Sigle. Sigle and West started and helped limit Denver’s first-team offense to 56 yards on 18 plays with a safety allowed. — Nick Wagoner

Next game: at Las Vegas Raiders (4 p.m. ET, Saturday)

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Chiefs: The hype surrounding rookie left tackle Josh Simmons, the Chiefs’ first-round pick, is not stopping after his NFL preseason debut. In 11 snaps against the Arizona Cardinals, Simmons showcased why the Chiefs are so high on him being the potential savior when it comes to protecting the blind side of quarterback Patrick Mahomes. On multiple pass-blocking snaps, Simmons stonewalled outside linebacker Baron Browning, a four-year veteran.

Prior to Saturday’s game, Mahomes said he wanted to accomplish a few tasks, including an unusual one: He wanted to get hit by a defender at least once. “I don’t necessarily look forward to getting hit,” Mahomes said Thursday while laughing. “I always like getting hit once, but it’s still a shock. I’m just excited to see where we’re at.”

Welp, Mahomes wasn’t hit once in his lone drive of the game. He completed his one attempt, a 1-yard touchdown pass to receiver Jason Brownlee.

The Chiefs’ best defensive performance was from second-year cornerback Chris Roland-Wallace, who recorded an interception and a fumble recovery. — Nate Taylor

Next game: at Seattle Seahawks (10 p.m. ET, Friday)

Cardinals: Jacoby Brissett showed Saturday why he was the right signing to be Kyler Murray’s backup. Brissett threw for 80 yards, including two touchdown passes, on 5-of-8 passing in less than a quarter and didn’t look rattled while commanding the offense.

And second-round pick Will Johnson learned very quickly what it’s like to play cornerback in the NFL. He was flagged for pass interference on the first pass thrown his way of the preseason. He rebounded and defended a pass in the second quarter while looking solid all around.

Rookie safety Kitan Crawford had an impressive interception, picking off Kansas City’s Bailey Zappe in the end zone. — Josh Weinfuss

Next game: at Denver Broncos (9:30 p.m. ET, Saturday)

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Jets: Quarterback Justin Fields gave the Jets what they wanted to see: a methodical, 79-yard touchdown drive in his only possession. Fields has been uneven in camp, but he was in command in his debut, hitting three checkdown passes and scoring on a 13-yard scramble in the first quarter. That speed dimension at quarterback is something the Jets haven’t had in, like, forever. This was a good, clean performance — a solid first step for a quarterback looking to reboot his career.

Rookie right tackle Armand Membou, the No. 7 pick, held up well in a starting role. He was physical in the run game, made no penalties and allowed zero pressures in 10 pass-blocking snaps, per NFL Next Gen Stats. — Rich Cimini

Next game: at New York Giants (7 p.m. ET, Saturday)

Packers: Two targets, two positive plays for first-round pick Matthew Golden. The wide receiver showed the strong hands he has displayed all camp, snagging the first ball thrown his way on a slant for a 7-yard gain from Jordan Love on third-and-7 and then drawing a 6-yard pass interference penalty against Sauce Gardner on third-and-6. That was the extent of Golden’s debut. He did not play after Love and the rest of the offensive starters were pulled after two drives.

Fellow rookie WR Savion Williams (third round) did not play because of the shoulder injury that has limited him in practice. One other receiving note: Mecole Hardman, a three-time Super Bowl champ with the Chiefs who signed for the league minimum in March, didn’t help his chances when he muffed a punt in the second quarter. In a deep receiver room, Hardman probably needs to make plays as a returner to earn a spot. — Rob Demovsky

Next game: at Indianapolis Colts (1 p.m. ET, Saturday)

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Titans: All eyes were on QB Cameron Ward in the Titans’ preseason opener. He got off to a slow start by going three-and-out. But the No. 1 pick bounced back on the next series by completing five passes for 67 yards on an 11-play drive that resulted in a 1-yard touchdown run by Tony Pollard.

Fourth-round pick Gunnar Helm continued to impress as he made a 16-yard catch on a third down, moving the chains for Tennessee. Helm is listed as the No. 2 tight end on the unofficial depth chart.

Defensively, third-year safety Joshuah Bledsoe helped force a turnover in his Titans debut. Bledsoe held wide receiver Jacob Harris up while rookie defensive back Davion Ross punched the ball out and recovered the fumble. Veteran defensive end Jihad Ward had the Titans’ only sack in his debut. Rookie Cam Horsley’s pressure helped set Ward up for the sack on Kyle Trask. — Turron Davenport

Next game: at Atlanta Falcons (7 p.m. ET, Friday)

Buccaneers: First-round draft pick Emeka Egbuka showed off his physical attributes with a leaping 21-yard grab from backup quarterback Kyle Trask.

Left tackle Charlie Heck, who signed as a free agent this offseason and will step in for Tristan Wirfs, surrendered a pressure to Arden Key on a third down. Cornerback Jacob Parrish (a third-round pick) had two pass breakups in extensive action, as second-round pick Benjamin Morrison is likely to miss the entire preseason with a hamstring injury.

Rookie safety Shilo Sanders delivered multiple big hits, including one on Brandon Allen on a blitz. Another undrafted free agent standout, inside linebacker Nick Jackson, had a sack and an interception. — Jenna Laine

Next game: at Pittsburgh Steelers (7 p.m. ET, Saturday)

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Rams: The Rams don’t play their starters during the preseason, so the new faces who got extended looks on Saturday night against the Cowboys were mostly from their rookie class.

Two standouts for Los Angeles on defense were third-round linebacker Josaiah Stewart and fifth-round linebacker Chris Paul Jr. Stewart sacked Cowboys quarterback Joe Milton III early in the second quarter. Paul wore the green dot, which means he was relaying the defensive playcalls.

The Rams’ top 2025 draft pick, second-round tight end Terrance Ferguson, did not play, as he is dealing with a groin injury. — Sarah Barshop

Next game: at Los Angeles Chargers (7 p.m. ET, Saturday)

Cowboys: After games like Saturday’s, it must be pointed out that quarterback Joe Milton III is in his second year. There will be growing pains even if the Cowboys are counting on him as Dak Prescott’s backup.

He was off target on his first three throws of the game and his first completion lost 1 yard. Accuracy was an issue. To open the second half, he was intercepted after he forced a deep ball into double coverage to Ryan Flournoy. Milton left early with what was called an elbow injury.

He finished 17-of-29 for 143 yards, one touchdown and one interception. The coaches want him to make the easy play and not always trust his big arm. Habits can take time to break. — Todd Archer

Next game: vs. Baltimore Ravens (7 p.m. ET, Saturday)

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Vikings: No. 2 quarterback Sam Howell had an encouraging outing after replacing J.J. McCarthy for the team’s second possession. Howell led the team on a 94-yard touchdown drive, capped by his own 1-yard touchdown plunge, and had strong downfield throws to receivers Jeshaun Jones (20 yards) and Lucky Jackson (17).

Howell has struggled at times during training camp as he learns the Vikings’ scheme, so his performance Saturday allayed some concerns.

Running back Jordan Mason, acquired via trade with the San Francisco 49ers, started and carried four times for 20 yards on the opening drive. Mason, who is expected to split carries with veteran Aaron Jones Sr. in the regular season, had a particularly nice cutback run for 9 yards.

The Vikings had hoped to give free agent receiver Rondale Moore a long look as a punt returner and reserve receiver, but Moore suffered a left leg injury on his first punt return and was taken off the field on a cart. Rookie free agent Silas Bolden was next up on punt returns, returning one for 8 yards, while rookie Tai Felton returned two kickoffs for an 18-yard average. — Kevin Seifert

Next game: vs. New England Patriots (1 p.m. ET, Saturday)

Texans: Rookie tackle Aireontae Ersery allowed zero pressures in five pass-blocking snaps in the only series he played. The second-rounder was at left tackle and paved lanes for running back Dare Ogunbowale. When Ogunbowale ran toward Ersery’s side, he averaged 6.5 yards on four carries.

The Texans’ rookie receivers didn’t get much action, though third-round pick Jaylin Noel caught a screen pass on third-and-8 and made a couple of guys miss en route to a first down, which extended the only drive that ended in a touchdown for the starters. — DJ Bien-Aime

Next game: vs. Carolina Panthers (1 p.m. ET, Saturday)

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Giants: The Giants have to feel good about their biggest additions this offseason. Veteran quarterback Russell Wilson, rookie QB Jaxson Dart (No. 25) and rookie linebacker Abdul Carter (No. 3) had successful debuts versus Buffalo.

Dart was most impressive of all. He was decisive and efficient, completing 12 of 19 passes for 154 yards with a touchdown. The score came on a 29-yard strike down the left sideline to receiver Lil’Jordan Humphrey with pressure in his face. He also rushed three times for 24 yards.

Wilson, meanwhile, led the Giants to a field goal on his only drive, while Carter had a pair of pressures on six snaps. New York couldn’t have drawn it up better. — Jordan Raanan

Next game: vs. New York Jets (7 p.m. ET, Saturday)

Bills: The Bills made several additions to the defensive line this offseason, and some of those new faces popped.

Two of the Bills’ rookie defensive linemen made strong first impressions. Second-round defensive tackle T.J. Sanders nearly sacked Dart on his touchdown throw in the first half. DT Deone Walker, a fourth-round pick, got pressure and then batted down a pass from Dart; he finished with two quarterback pressures.

Despite the Bills limiting his practice time, defensive end Joey Bosa played 10 snaps over two drives with the first-team defense and made a solid first impression. — Alaina Getzenberg

Next game: at Chicago Bears (8 p.m. ET, Aug. 17)

Friday

Browns: Rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders shined as he got the start in Cleveland’s preseason opener, throwing a pair of first-half touchdowns. Sanders has been QB4 in Cleveland’s quarterback competition but got the start because of injuries to Kenny Pickett and Dillon Gabriel. In about three quarters of action, Sanders showed the pinpoint accuracy and poise that led many to believe he was a top quarterback in the 2025 NFL draft before falling to the fifth round.

It was also a strong debut for two other members of the Browns’ rookie class, linebacker Carson Schwesinger and defensive tackle Mason Graham. Schwesinger, a second-round pick, led the Browns with six tackles in the first half. And Graham, the No. 5 pick in the draft, also had a quarterback pressure in a couple of drives. — Daniel Oyefusi

Next game: at Philadelphia Eagles (1 p.m. ET, Aug. 16)

Panthers: It was an underwhelming day for the class overall. First-round pick Tetairoa McMillan had a great over-the-shoulder catch of a Bryce Young pass for 30 yards. But he finished with only two catches on five targets, and should have had a touchdown catch but ran a bad route. Sixth-round pick Jimmy Horn Jr. caught four of five targets, but for only 15 yards. Edge rushers Nic Scourton and Princely Umanmielen combined for only one sack (Scourton) — Umanmielen also lost containment on a Sanders scramble — so plenty of room for improvement there. — David Newton

Next game: at Houston Texans (1 p.m. ET, Aug. 16)

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Note: The preseason game between the Detroit Lions and Atlanta Falcons was suspended with 6:19 left in the fourth quarter after Lions safety Morice Norris left the field in an ambulance after sustaining an injury after a collision with a Falcons player. The Lions said he was transported to a local hospital for further evaluation, but was talking and moving.

Lions: Rookie receiver Isaac TeSlaa scored his first NFL preseason touchdown off an 11-yard pass from backup QB Kyle Allen. TeSlaa, a third-round pick out of Arkansas, gave Detroit a 7-3 lead in the second quarter. TeSlaa, a Michigan native and lifelong Lions fan, ended with two catches for 18 yards. He has continued to make plays through training camp and preseason action. In practice, TeSlaa has earned some first-team reps with the offense. Lions rookies DL Tyleik Williams and OL Tate Ratledge also made their preseason debuts after being held out of the Hall of Fame Game versus the Chargers last week. The most underwhelming performance of the night was from third-year QB Hendon Hooker, who started for Detroit and fumbled twice in the first half. He went 7-10 with 38 passing yards. — Eric Woodyard

Next game: vs. Miami Dolphins (1 p.m. ET, Aug. 16)

Falcons: If the Falcons were to find a trade partner for quarterback Kirk Cousins, they might be comfortable with Easton Stick as Michael Penix Jr.’s backup. Stick, a free agent signing from the Los Angeles Chargers, was 15-of-18 passing for 149 yards and a touchdown. Stick’s 13-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Chris Blair put the Falcons ahead 10-7 with :34 left in the first half.

Atlanta’s rookies were relatively quiet. No. 26 pick James Pearce Jr. was often double-teamed on the edge. No. 15 pick Jalon Walker, an edge rusher, and third-round pick safety Xavier Watts had one tackle apiece. Fourth-round pick cornerback Billy Bowman Jr. had a great open-field tackle in punt coverage. Seventh-round pick Jack Nelson had some struggles at right tackle. — Marc Raimondi

Next game: vs. Tennessee Titans (7 p.m. ET, Friday)

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Patriots: Second-round pick TreVeyon Henderson made an immediate impact, returning the opening kickoff 100 yards for a touchdown against Commanders backups. When the Patriots selected Henderson 38th out of Ohio State, they touted his speed and big-play ability — both as a running back and returner — which is the type of juice the team has been lacking in recent seasons. Henderson added one carry for 18 yards and caught three passes for 12 yards. He is projected to complement starter Rhamondre Stevenson and No. 3 option Antonio Gibson.

Cornerback DJ James, a 2024 sixth-round pick of the Seahawks who spent last year on the Patriots’ practice squad, also had a notable performance with an INT. That reflects how he has had a strong training camp in which he has consistently been around the football. — Mike Reiss

Next game: at Minnesota Vikings (1 p.m. ET, Aug. 16)

Commanders: Rookie corner Trey Amos played two series and continued his strong summer. He defended a fade ball well and came up on the run one time to make a stop for no yards. Meanwhile, first-round pick Josh Conerly Jr. started at right tackle and played 22 snaps. He continues to look more comfortable on the right side. He was solid on the edge, with one hiccup vs. a stunt, and blocked well in space. Seventh-round pick running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt finished with only 24 yards on seven carries, but he typically gained more than what was available because of his sharp cuts and vision. — John Keim

Next game: vs Cincinnati Bengals (8 p.m. ET, Aug. 18)

Thursday

Seahawks: One play from Jalen Milroe ‘s NFL debut showed exactly how he can help the Seahawks’ offense this season even as their third QB. Milroe gained 27 yards on a zone-read keeper, flashing the impressive running ability that Seattle plans to take advantage of on occasion via specialty packages. He ran three times for 38 yards and also fared well with his arm, completing 6 of 10 attempts for 61 yards. He led one TD drive in five possessions and was sacked on Seattle’s final drive.

Rookie fifth-round pick Tory Horton continued to make his case to beat out Marquez Valdes-Scantling for the No. 3 receiver role. With Valdes-Scantling getting the night off along with several other veterans, Horton caught three passes for 31 yards and a touchdown pass from Drew Lock in the first half. — Brady Henderson

Next game: vs. Chiefs, 10 p.m. ET, Friday, Aug. 15

Raiders: Ashton Jeanty’s preseason debut was underwhelming. On three carries, the Heisman Trophy finalist totaled minus-1 yards. His longest carry was for three yards. But a few plays later, Jeanty was stopped for a 4-yard loss.

The Raiders’ offensive line didn’t provide much support for Jeanty and the run game as a whole. Las Vegas averaged 2.6 yards on nine carries in the first half.

Jamal Adams — who signed last month — looked solid at weak-side linebacker, as he was active around the line of scrimmage. In 14 defensive snaps, Adams had three tackles, including two run stuffs. On third and long in the second quarter, Adams burst up the middle before tackling Seattle running back Damien Martinez. — Ryan McFadden

Next game: vs. 49ers, 4 p.m. ET, Saturday, Aug. 16

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Ravens: Rookie sixth-round pick LaJohntay Wester provided much-needed juice to the Ravens’ punt return game when he scored on an 87-yard runback in the first quarter.

Wester, whose college coach was Deion Sanders at Colorado, flashed some “Prime Time” elusiveness when he darted around three would-be Colts tacklers in the middle of the field before racing down the right sideline.

Baltimore’s punt return game was an issue last season. The Ravens used four punt returners who averaged 9.7 yards, which ranked 16th in the NFL, and failed to break a punt return longer than 22 yards. Wester also had team highs with two catches for 41 yards with a long of 30.

.@la_wester TO THE HOUSE

Tune in on WBAL! pic.twitter.com/kNQd43xeDs

— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) August 7, 2025

Rookie kicker Tyler Loop hooked a 46-yard field goal attempt wide left in his first attempt, but he nailed a 52-yarder in the fourth quarter. Loop is the only kicker on the roster, but coach John Harbaugh said Loop has to prove himself in the preseason. In training camp, Loop is 58-of-62 (93.5%). — Jamison Hensley

Next game: at Cowboys, 7 p.m. ET, Saturday, Aug. 16

Colts: Tight end Tyler Warren, the No. 14 pick in this year’s draft, made his anticipated debut and wasted little time making an impact. Warren caught all three passes on which he was targeted, generating 40 receiving yards in the process. On his longest play, a 23-yard reception from Daniel Jones on a slant route, Warren showed the breadth of his talent, catching the ball cleanly and running 14 more yards after the catch.

Elsewhere, the Colts got a long look at new kicker Spencer Shrader, who had a big workload with four first-half field-goal attempts. He connected from 53, 33 and 39 yards and missed from 52. Shrader, who kicked for three teams as a rookie last season, is replacing veteran kicker Matt Gay, whom the Colts released earlier this year. — Stephen Holder

Next game: vs. Packers, 1 p.m. ET, Saturday, Aug. 16

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Eagles: Running back AJ Dillon had an encouraging debut, rushing five times for 27 yards (5.4 average) and catching three passes for 27 yards. He showed some wiggle with a jump cut on a 9-yard gain and moved the pile when he lowered his shoulder. It was a good start after sitting out all of last season because of a neck injury.

Undrafted rookie receiver Darius Cooper (6 catches, 82 yards, 1 TD) raised his profile. He regularly separated from defenders with sharp routes and good burst.

First-round pick linebacker Jihaad Campbell nearly came up with an interception, and fourth-round defensive tackle Ty Robinson registered two pressures, a sack and demonstrated good awareness by sniffing out a screen and taking that option away from the quarterback. — Tim McManus

Next game: vs. Browns, 1 p.m. ET, Saturday, Aug. 16

Bengals: Defensive end Shemar Stewart took a while to get onto the field because of contractual issues, but the first-round pick out of Texas A&M has been as advertised. He was disruptive on a couple of his 18 defensive snaps against the Eagles.

He had a 3-yard tackle for loss on a run play. Then on a play-action bootleg, Stewart did a good job pursuing Eagles quarterback Tanner McKee and nearly forcing an interception.

Rookie left guard Dylan Fairchild, a third-round pick and projected starter, had a very nondescript outing, which is a very good thing for an offensive lineman. Right guard Lucas Patrick, who is battling for a starting spot, had a couple of miscues on the opening drive, including a costly penalty. — Ben Baby

Next game: at Commanders, 8 p.m. ET, Monday, Aug. 18

Sunday’s games

Miami Dolphins at Chicago Bears: 1 p.m. ET (NFL Network)
New Orleans Saints at Los Angeles Chargers: 4 p.m. ET (NFL Network)