CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - AUGUST 26: Defensive tackle Naquan Jones #91 of the Houston Texans warms up during a joint practice with the Carolina Panthers at Carolina Panthers Practice Fields on August 26, 2026 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Matt Kelley/Getty Images) | Getty Images
It seems only fair to end the preseason that we let another team host a Houston Texans preseason game. The Texans have traversed the Appalachians and arrived in Charlotte to take on the Panthers in a game that will make the difference between who makes the roster and who doesn’t (gee, how insightful), so expect to see a lot of future grocery shelf stockers giving it their all tonight.
But after this, all the football counts. We’re so close to the end of The Empty Season, I can almost taste it.
Who: Houston Texans at Carolina Panthers What: Preseason Week 3 Where: Bank of America Stadium – Charlotte, NC When: Friday August 28, 2026 Why: To determine which players will get to call themselves Houston Texans to start the season. How:TV: KTRK 13 ABC (local-live), NFL Network (national-will be played midnight August 30); Radio: 95.7 The Fan (local-English), Mega 101 FM (local-Spanish); Streaming: Audacy app, Houston Texans app, NFL+
Enjoy the game y’all. Because the next time we see y’all, it’ll be Texans game day for real!
ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 09: Oregon quarterback Dante Moore (5) warms up prior to the start of the Indiana Hoosiers versus Oregon Ducks College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl on January 9th, 2026, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
This is a celebration that both NFL and college football are back, and there is no better indicator than finding one 2027 NFL Draft prospect from the AP Preseason Top 25 and manifesting them into the red and black next season. This is a long exercise, so we’re not going to waste any time; let’s get into it:
Ohio State – DT John Walker
Height: 6’4”
Weight: 324
John Walker (6’4 324) Ohio State
✅ 79.0 run defense grade in 2025 ✅ Knock-back power in his hands ✅ 9.4% missed tackle rate ✅ Holding the point of attack ✅ Bull rush power pic.twitter.com/0K9bO7yups
It’s the first school, and I’ve already gone off the beaten path, but hear me out. If we’re in the running for Jeremiah Smith, Atlanta likely needs a quarterback more than a wide receiver. Julian Sayin and Austin Siereveld, who is probably best inside, are not one-to-one fits for their needs. So, let’s look to a potential day-two pick in defensive tackle/nose tackle John Walker. Powerful hands and is a fantastic asset at holding the point of attack against the run, a skill the Falcons desperately need on early downs. There are only so many exotic looks Jeff Ulbrich can throw at an offense; at some point, it’s going to have to be my best against your best in the run game, and Walker can be a good start in shoring that up for Atlanta.
— Football Performances (@NFLPerformances) August 4, 2026
New York Jets fans are still kicking at the fact that Moore returned to Oregon this year instead of becoming the second quarterback off the board last draft cycle. Moore has a beautiful, easily catchable ball that falls into your hands as a receiver. The hope for 2027 is that he is more consistent and handles pressure better than last season. If he does, and the Falcons’ quarterback position does end up horribly, Moore would be a perfect fit for Kevin Stefanski and Tommy Rees’ plans in Atlanta.
Georgia – CB Ellis Robinson IV
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 180
Ellis Robinson IV is a top 10 talent. Still needs some polish, but he’s ahead of schedule for a 1-year starter with 550 career snaps pic.twitter.com/ORtYmkrakl
All the sites where you find his information are saying that he’s 6’0”, 180 pounds, but Ellis Robinson IV plays a lot bigger than that. A physical corner with some long arms, Robinson has the potential to be the second-best corner in this draft, behind the next player on this list. Robinson is only a one-year starter, but his ability to get his hands on the football and fight through the receiver to make a play while the ball is in the air is special. He’s also quite the willing run defender. Someone is going to really enjoy having Robinson on the boundary of their defense. With Hughes getting up there in age and Terrell not far behind, it may be time to look for new blood on the outside.
Notre Dame – CB Leonard Moore
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 197
Leonard Moore vs. USC is my favorite game for a prospect I've watched.
It perfectly encapsulates Moore's lockdown nature as he follows Makai Lemon on practically every play. Truly an insane performance. pic.twitter.com/st73XQQ6QJ
A true lockdown corner. Leonard Moore will follow your number-one receiver to the ends of the earth, if he has to. Moore is an insanely talented cornerback whose large frame and elite athleticism make him a problem against the shiftier receivers, like Makai Lemon, and the bigger, more physical receivers. Him and safety Tae Johnson in the same secondary is honestly unfair, but it will be a ton of fun to watch.
Jake Matthews has to ride off into the sunset at some point. To make it easier on him, the Falcons should take a good, hard look at a guy like Trevor Goosby. He won’t be there for the first few weeks of this season due to a non-contact knee injury, but by the end of September, you’ll be able to see why Goosby is rated as some people’s OT1 in this class. A massive human being with fleet feet and heavy hands, Goosby has the potential to be a game-changer as an offensive tackle. He does have warts in his game; he just turned 21 in May, but he’s going to be a solid tackle prospect that has fantastic upside in next year’s draft.
Indiana – DT Tyrique Tucker
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 298
When you can generate pressure up the middle, it makes life easier for everyone else on the defense. That’s exactly what Indiana DT Tyrique Tucker (@TuckerTyrique) brings to the Hoosiers.
One of several impactful JMU transfers, Tucker has 24 tackles, 7.5 TFLs, and 4.5 sacks this… pic.twitter.com/G7vD44r2de
On day two, you’re looking for guys that can contribute early and often for your defense, and a guy like Tyrique Tucker can do that. A bit smaller than the average NFL defensive tackle, but Tucker’s production far outweighs his size. 12 tackles for loss and 6 sacks in 2025, on the way to a national championship, are definitely a great way to get your name out there.
Excited to watch this player this season. Disruptive interior defender that plays with explosive power and violent hands. High effort, upfield penetrator that can cause constant chaos. pic.twitter.com/WvBEkzu5Ym
Throughout Miami’s run to the national championship game, the talk was all about the two edges who went in the first round of last year’s draft: Rueben Bain and Ahkeem Mesidor. But my eyes couldn’t leave the middle of the defense as Ahmad Moten looked unblockable throughout the run. He has to learn to play the run better, but if he does, he could be this year’s DT1.
Texas A&M – EDGE Anto Saka
Height: 6’4”
Weight: 255
Anto Saka (6’4 255) Texas A&M
✅ Explosiveness off the snap ✅ Freakish athleticism ✅ 28.9% win rate on true pass sets ✅ 12 career sacks in a heavy rotation ✅ Converting speed-to-power pic.twitter.com/TQXKd6HP08
The losses of both Jalon Walker and James Pearce, Jr. showed just how important it is to have depth in your EDGE rotation. Saka is making the jump from Northwestern to Texas A&M this season to help Mike Elko fortify yet another intimidating defense. It will be interesting to see how Elko uses Saka’s explosiveness and where he ultimately falls in this year’s draft.
Ole Miss – DT Will Echoles
Height: 6’3”
Weight: 315
Will Echoles | IDL | Ole Miss | 6-3, 309
Well rounded, disruptive DT. Active hands, explosive power, and finishing ability. Just turned 20 years old this week. pic.twitter.com/c2AVb9uNgj
Will Echoles and Walter Nolen being on the same defensive line feels like a crime against humanity. But with Nolen gone, Echoles gets a chance to be the guy on that Ole Miss line and I doubt he’ll disappoint. Echoles is already potentially this class’ best run defender, but can he continue to take that step to become a true three-down threat and be a consistent problem in the pass rush department, as well?
312 pounds is not supposed to move this fluidly. David Stone is my personal DT1 in next year’s class, as he has a jaw-dropping mix of agility, quickness and strength at the point of attack. Stone has that ability to beat the interior offensive lineman with a quick inside move while also eating up a gap or two in the run game. Whatever you need from the interior, Stone can do it, and he would be a perfect addition to the Falcons’ defense.
Alabama CB Zabien Brown (#2) has a high level and well rounded game -He can erase any WR in coverage and remains physical in the run -Pair that with great instincts and high end athleticism and you get a dominant corner.
✅ Just a 39.7% completion rate allowed against entering 2026 ✅ Competitive at the catch point ✅ 4 interceptions during 2025 ✅ Reliable tackler pic.twitter.com/Yt3zfASoQz
Washington DT Elinneus Davis (#90) is incredibly difficult to uproot in the run game. Won’t add anything as a pass rusher, but an early down role in the NFL is clear. pic.twitter.com/UjscEO7Cuz
New Penn State safety Marcus Neal Jr. (#31) is a demon around the line of scrimmage. When he sees it, he hits it … and he sees it really well and he hits it really hard.
Neal was top 10 nationally among DBs in run stops last season at Iowa State (21). pic.twitter.com/LmAibamCNh
The last two 1,000-yard rushers for Josh Heupel at Tennessee became top 130 draft picks … is DeSean Bishop next? His lateral explosion is super impressive.
Bishop was fourth in the SEC last season in rushing yards after contact (649). pic.twitter.com/Wk4DhI8hPI
✅ Aggressive run defender ✅ Good athleticism ✅ 81.5 coverage grade in 2025 ✅ Ball production with 4 interceptions during 2025 season pic.twitter.com/Ip5fSbRrye
Aug 28, 2026; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. (29) celebrates his rushing touchdown during the first half against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
The New York Giants finish the 2026 preseason with a 2-1 record after a 23-6 win over the New York Jets.
In-game updates
Second half updates
The Giants drive the ball down to the goal line, then take a knee three times to end the game.
Jason Sanders misses his second kick. He previously missed an extra point and now misses a 54-yard field goal to keep the score 23-6. The Giants still haven’t let Ben Sauls see the field…
The Giants cut Jason Sanders because they didn't think his leg was strong enough anymore. He was so shaky that they were compelled to make Dominic Zvada a priority undrafted signing. If Sanders had better before the draft, the Giants may not have made Zvada as much of a priority.…
“Let’s Go Giants” chants sparking after the Giants get a sack and force a 3-and-out following the Zvada field goal. Trace Ford has made his presence felt.
Dominic Zvada hits a 53-yard field goal to extend the Giants’ lead to 13-6.
Dominic Zvada from 53. Good with about 10 yards to spare. 13-6.
The Giants force a 3-and-out to start the second half, just in time for Tyrone Tracy to jog back to the Giants’ sideline.
Tyrone Tracy is back on the Giants' sideline, obviously a good sign given the way he left the field. We'll see what the official word is from the team, but clearly not as worrisome as initially appeared.
GIANT Sack. Trace Ford flattens Cade Klubnik on a bad pass to knock the Jets well out of field goal range. The Giants call a time out to try to get something done in 35 seconds.
Trace Ford has put some quality stuff on tape the past two games. Sacks Klubnik there. Harbaugh calls timeout with 43 seconds left, Jets to punt.
You know Harbs is hoping for a long FG attempt from Zvada.
Catch No. 3 from Odell Beckham. Got open on a slant, but QB Brandon Allen threw behind him. Beckham had to slow down and ended up making the 17-yard catch in traffic.
The Giants sprint down the field on the back of big runs by Tyrone Tracy Jr. as well as a long catch by Odell Beckham Jr. for the touchdown. The Giants take the lead after the extra point from Dominic Zvada.
The Giants’ backup CBs rotate in, Cade Klubnick is 0-2 on the way to a 3-and-out.
Colton Hood and Korie Black now at CB on this second drive after Deonte Banks and Paulson Adebo started. Greg Newsome not playing tonight, he's been the best at the position this summer.
A promising drive is cut short by another turnover. Braxton Berrios has the ball punched out while he tries to pick up yards after the catch.
Braxton Berrios loses the fumble inside the 5 after a 16-yard catch from Winston. McCrary-Ball for Jets now has a pick and a forced fumble, punched it away from Berrios as he was fighting for more yards.
This list is a pretty good tell when it comes to players who will make the roster.
Giants players not in uniform during pregame warmups:
• RB Cam Skattebo • RB Devin Singletary • FB Pat Ricard • WR Malik Nabers • WR Jalin Hyatt (injured) • TE Isaiah Likely • TE Theo Johnson (injured) • TE Chris Manhertz • OL Andrew Thomas • OL Jermaine Eluemunor •…
It looks like Jaxson Dart won’t play, though some starters apparently will.
The Giants main starters (including QB Jaxson Dart) will have gone from Aug. 15 to Sept. 13 without any live game reps. Twenty-nine days.
It's something coach John Harbaugh said he was weighing as a major factor. But so too was how much benefit there would be for a drive or two… https://t.co/4gTR42xlUD
Dart and other starters will go without game action for nearly a month leading up to the Sept. 13 season-opener against the Dallas Cowboys.
The New York Giants face the New York Jets in the 2026 preseason finale Friday night at MetLife Stadium. Kickoff it at 7:30 p.m. ET in one of those awkward games where the Giants will be the visiting team in their own stadium.
Will head coach John Harbaugh play quarterback Jaxson Dart and at least some other frontline players? I wrote previously that he believes Harbaugh should. Giants fans who voted in our poll overwhelmingly agree.
With teams having to trim their rosters to 53 players by Sunday at 6 p.m., there are still a handful of roster spots to be won or lost. Who will step forward, or play themselves out of a job, Friday night?
Follow this thread for updates during the game, and to discuss the action with other Giants fans.
The Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani, left, walks off the field after a throwing session before Thursday's game against the Atlanta Braves. (Erik S. Lesser / Associated Press)
Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani threw a bullpen Friday at Comerica Park before the team opened a three-game series against the Tigers, as scheduled. But it was not immediately clear if it put him in line to start Sunday.
“I really don’t know what to make of it because I didn’t put eyes on it,” manager Dave Roberts said before the game. “Obviously I’ve got to talk to Shohei, talk to [pitching coach Mark Prior] and then we’ll make a decision for Sunday. But again I have to have that conversation.”
Ohtani threw about 20 pitches in the side session, which Roberts noted was “short,” but he said he hadn’t had any expectations for pitch counts.
Ohtani’s between-start side sessions are usually closer to 30 pitches, but that alone isn’t necessarily a reason to sound the alarm, especially without a clearer picture of the initial plan for Friday’s session. The Dodgers will continue to monitor Ohtani’s recovery as well.
If he does start Sunday, it will likely be one inning in front of right-hander Tyler Glasnow, Roberts said.
Ohtani hasn’t pitched in a game since July 3 against the Padres, managing swelling and discomfort in his left knee.
Barring a setback, the schedule allows for Ohtani to make five starts on at least five days’ rest before the end of the season.
Glasnow, who threw five innings and 89 pitches on Tuesday in his first start back from the injured list, is scheduled to start on regular rest Sunday.
“Glas felt good going on regular,” Roberts said when asked why the Dodgers didn’t push his start to Tuesday, “and also looking at the calendar and where other guys line up.”
TORONTO, CANADA - AUGUST 11: Adley Rutschman #31 of the Boston Red Sox reacts with Patrick Sandoval #43 of the Boston Red Sox during a game during a game against the Toronto Blue Jays on August 11, 2026 at Rogers Centre in Toronto, Ontario. (Photo by Maddie Malhotra/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images) | Getty Images
I will be there in person tonight!
⚾️ First Pitch: 7:15PM – Yankee Stadium, Bronx, NY
WASHINGTON, DC - AUGUST 27: CJ Abrams #5 and Daylen Lile #4 of the Washington Nationals celebrate after a 7-1 victory against the Colorado Rockies at Nationals Park on August 27, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Marlins have owned the Nats all season, and now they are coming into town for four games. This is a series Blake Butera has to be targeting after the Nats just got swept in Miami. We know the deal with the Marlins now. They are a gritty, fundamentally sound bunch. Can the Nats stop them?
CJ Abrams is back in the field, but at shortstop. Blake Butera would not commit to a timetable when I asked him when he would play second base. Nasim Nunez is getting a day off, which means Jorbit Vivas is at second and Brady House is at third. Abimelec Ortiz and Harry Ford are also back in the lineup. Jackson Kent is on the mound.
Since the last series between these teams, Marlins slugger Kyle Stowers has returned from the IL. He will be playing first base. The pesky middle infield duo of Otto Lopez and Xavier Edwards will be players to watch. Utility man Javier Sanoja has also been hot lately. Marlins young ace Eury Perez is on the mound.
The Nats problems with divisional foes have been well documented. However, they will have a chance to change the narrative a bit this weekend. With just a month left in the season, the Nats look to finish strong. Follow along in the comments down below and let’s go Nats.
DENVER, CO - AUGUST 23: Tomoyuki Sugano #11 of the Colorado Rockies pitches during the game between the Cleveland Guardians and the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field on Sunday, August 23, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Ray Bahner/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
After splitting the four-game series with the Washington Nationals, the Colorado Rockies head south to the Peach State to take on the Atlanta Braves in a new series.
The last time these two teams met was back in May, when the Braves swept a three-game series at Coors Field. The Braves currently hold a five-game lead over the Philadelphia Phillies in the National League East standings. Once again, the Rockies face a tough road challenge against a good big league team.
Tomoyuki Sugano (12-7, 4.96 ERA) is looking to rebound after the oddity of his last start at Coors Field. Sugano lasted just three innings against the Cleveland Guardians, having thrown 93 pitches and allowed five runs on nine hits. The Guardians did an excellent job running up his pitch count with an absurd amount of foul balls and the contact they made kept finding holes for base hits. Sugano scuffled in his start against the Los Angeles Dodgers before that, allowing seven runs on seven hits across five innings.
At this point in the season, teams that are elite at making contact have proven troublesome for Sugano, especially those that can waste pitches. Sugano is at his best when he can work quickly and induce weak contact for ground balls. Atlanta is a tough match-up in that regard and he will have to establish the zone early and put batters away quickly.
The Braves will turn to Grant Holmes (8-5, 3.64 ERA) to make his 25th start of the season. With all of the injuries the Braves have dealt with in their rotation, Holmes has proven a reliable arm all season. He can get strikeouts, but has mostly averaged about four per game this season. Meanwhile, the walks can fluctuate but typically average two to three per game. He last faced the Rockies at Coors Field on May 1 and had one of his worst starts this season, allowing six runs on seven hits over five innings.
He comes into this game, however, on the heels of a start where he allowed just one hit over six innings. In fact, he has allowed just six runs over 21.2 innings this month, all of which came in a 3.2 inning performance on August 15 against Arizona. Hopefully, the Rockies can replicate the success from May and actually secure the win
TORONTO, ON - MAY 8: James Paxton #65 of the Seattle Mariners is celebrates after throwing a no-hitter during MLB game action against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre on May 8, 2018 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Likely Cy Young winner vs. the 2026 Seattle Mariners. What could go wrong? The last time the Mariners ran into the Cease buzzsaw, he came away with nine strikeouts over seven innings, with a walk, two singles, and a double. The Mariners’ offense has showed a little more life lately, so maybe they’ll be able to adjust.
The Blue Jays will also be facing their opposing pitcher for the second time this season. When Emerson Hancock faced Toronto in January, it was one of his better starts amid his mid-season slide. He went a full seven, striking out five and giving up just a single, a double, and two walks.
The Mariners and Jays really are mirror images of each other.
Dustin Hogue from the USA plays for Real Sebastiani Rieti during the Italian Championship Basket Old Wild West Serie A2 Season 2024-2025 match between Real Sebastiani Rieti and Bi.Emme Service Libertas Livorno in Rieti, Italy, on December 14, 2025, at PalaSojourner. (Photo by Alessio Morgese/NurPhoto via Getty Images) | NurPhoto via Getty Images
RUVO DI PUGLIA, Italy — Crifo Wines Ruvo di Puglia signed veteran American Dustin Hogue to anchor its interior defense and provide a battle-tested presence under the basket. The former Iowa State standout joins the roster with a mandate to provide immediate experience and physicality for a club looking to solidify its standing in the Italian divisions.
Off the court, Hogue’s physical metrics provide a blueprint for the high-intensity style he brings to the paint. While technically undersized for a traditional center at 6-foot-6, 220 pounds, Hogue’s bulk and relentless motor allow him to play significantly larger than his height, a critical asset in the grueling interior play of the Italian leagues.
His game is defined by several trademark contributions according to his new team:
Paint Presence: His ability to use his frame to control the interior and disrupt opposing offenses.
Athleticism: Physical tools that translate into a high-speed, high-impact style of play across both ends of the floor.
Rebounding: A reputation for relentless work on the boards and an elite expertise in securing possessions.
This physical profile has served as the foundation for a decorated career in Italy, where Hogue has established himself as a perennial winner. He first left a major mark on the Italian landscape during a celebrated tenure with Dolomiti Energia Trento, where he served as a central figure in the squad that reached consecutive Scudetto finals in 2017 and 2018. His pedigree for postseason success continued during the 2024-25 cycle with Cantù, a stint that culminated in a Coppa Italia LNP title and securing promotion to Serie A.
The signing also offers a distinct tactical advantage for Ruvo di Puglia, which adds a player intimately familiar with the club’s current competitive environment. Hogue’s journey through the Italian divisions over the last campaign saw him move from Bergamo to Real Sebastiani Rieti. This recent path created a unique opponent-to-teammate narrative; while wearing the Real Sebastiani Rieti jersey last season, Hogue faced Ruvo di Puglia as a formidable adversary on the court. He now brings that first-hand scouting knowledge and veteran savvy to the home locker room.
Hogue’s professional journey is rooted in a high-major collegiate foundation at Iowa State in the NCAA. Since transitioning to the European professional ranks, he has built an extensive resume across several top-tier leagues, representing prominent clubs including Enisey, Cluj-Napoca, Prometey and Promitheas. This diverse international background completes the profile of a seasoned veteran capable of anchoring the interior for Crifo Wines.
NEW YORK, NY - AUGUST 26: Francisco Lindor #12 of the New York Mets looks on prior to the game between the Milwaukee Brewers and the New York Mets at Citi Field on Wednesday, August 26, 2026 in New York, New York. (Photo by CJ Lauretani/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
Mets lineup
A.J. Ewing – CF
Francisco Lindor – SS
Bo Bichette – 3B
Carson Benge – RF
Luis Robert Jr. – LF
Jared Young – 1B
Marcus Semien – 2B
Brett Baty – DH
Luis Torrens – C
Christian Scott – RHP
Astros lineup
Jeremy Peña – SS
Yordan Alvarez – DH
Isaac Paredes – 3B
Jose Altuve – 2B
Daulton Varsho – CF
Christian Walker – 1B
Yainer Diaz – C
Taylor Trammell – RF
Nelson Velázquez – LF
Hunter Brown – RHP
Broadcast info
First pitch: 7:10pm EDT TV: SNY Radio: Audacy Mets Radio WHSQ 880AM, Audacy App, 92.3 HD2
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 26: Jackson Merrill #3 of the San Diego Padres hits a double during the second inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Petco Park on August 26, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images) | Getty Images
San Diego Padres (72-62) at Tampa Bay Rays (79-54), August 28, 2026, 4:10 p.m. PST
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Out of respect to broadcast partners who have paid to carry the game, no mentions of “alternative” (read: illegal) viewing methods are allowed in our thread
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - AUGUST 20: Fatorma Mulbah #95 of the Miami Dolphins warms up during joint practice with the New York Giants at Baptist Health Training Complex on August 20, 2026 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Miami Dolphins host the Atlanta Falcons on Friday night, closing out the 2026 Preseason schedule. The game may include a cameo appearance by the starters, but the stars of the night will be the roster bubble players. Will anyone crush it on the field tonight and force the coaches to keep them on the 53-man regular-season roster?
Several players on the roster bubble are worth watching throughout the game. Could they make an impact on offense or defense? Are they in a key special-teams role that hints at their making the roster? We take a look at some of the players to watch tonight.
Defensive tackle Fatorma Mulbah
Mulbah went undrafted out of West Virginia in 2025 and signed with the New York Jets. He did not make the roster out of the preseason and spent time on the practice squad during the year. He signed with the Dolphins at the start of August, and he has made an impact quickly. Mulbah has been a force in the middle of the line, especially against the run. He is not perfect and he has growth that still needs to happen, but with a strong performance against the Falcons, he could force Miami to keep him on the roster rather than risking having him claimed off waivers by another team.
Fullback D.J. Herman
I have gone back and forth on projecting Herman to make the roster, with him on the wrong side of the cut line in today’s 53-man roster projection. He has been solid as a lead blocker, in pass protection, and as an outlet option in the passing game. A linebacker in college, Herman has made the adjustment to being a fullback and he is doing it well enough to force the Dolphins to at least consider using a roster spot to keep him. Tight end Ben Sims, who is listed as the first team fullback on the depth chart, has missed time and Herman has taken advantage of the opportunity. A strong performance on Friday, especially if he makes a special teams play, could land him on the right side of the cut line.
Defensive end Cameron Goode
The numbers seem to be against Goode making the roster this year, but the 2022 seventh-round pick could change that tonight. Primarily a special teams player, if he can make an impact during the game, he might force his way onto the roster. He has been fine during training camp, but fine might not be good enough to justify a roster position. Stepping up tonight might be a requirement for Goode to stay with the team another year.
Safety Major Burns / Lonnie Johnson / Louis Moore
I am absolutely cheating here by putting all three players in one spot on my five players to watch, but it is because there really is not any separation between them at this point. One of the three of them will make the roster as the fourth safety on the depth chart – which one could be determined tonight. Johnson has dealt with an injury this summer, Burns has flashed but may not be as consistent, and Moore is a rookie trying to go from undrafted to the roster.
Offensive lineman Charlie Heck
The Dolphins likely signed Heck as a free agent to serve as the swing tackle and primary game-day backup for both Patrick Paul at left tackle and Austin Jackson at right tackle. He has been inconsistent all summer and he has done everything except claim that role. I do not have him making the roster right now, but a strong performance tonight could change that. Heck could find help in the roster math if guard Josh Priebe sees playing time at center and plays well, that could lead Miami to releasing center Andrew Meyer and open a roster spot for Heck. It might be a backdoor way to make the roster, but it would still land him on the roster.
NASHVILLE, TN - NOVEMBER 04: Kenny Britt #18 of the Tennessee Titans plays against Charles Tillman #33 of the Chicago Bears at LP Field on November 4, 2012 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Chicago Bears wrap up their 2026 preseason slate against the Tennessee Titans on Saturday, and every time the Bears and Titans play, I think of one thing: When Bears fans drank all the beer in Nashville. The Bears won that 2012 game, 51 to 20, and it featured 4 forced fumbles from Charles Tillman and the final touchdown of Brian Urlacher’s career: a 46-yard interception return.
The Bears and Titans held a joint practice on Thursday, and things got feisty with a few skirmishes. Tennessee head coach Robert Saleh even accused Bears safety Xavier Woods, a former Titan, of taking a cheap shot on one of his players. Saleh said he’s planning to play his ones for a half, so we’ll have to wait and see if the intensity carries over to the game. We’ll also have to wait and see if Chicago head coach Ben Johnson plays his starters because, just like last week, he has yet to make an announcement.
For those wondering, last year, the Bears played their first stringers for a half in the third preseason game.
GAME INFO
The Bears and Titans will kick off from Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee, on Saturday, August 29 at 5:00 pm CT. It’ll be sunny at kickoff with sunset at approximately 7:19, and the high will be 92° with a low of 67°.
TELEVISION
The game will be on FOX 32 for the Chicago audience with Adam Amin on play-by-play, Jim Miller and Stacey Dales providing analysis, and Jasmine Baker on the sideline. You can check 506sports.com for the full list of channels carrying the game. NFL Network is scheduled to air the game live on Saturday, but check local listings. They’ll also rebroadcast it in case you miss it live.
RADIO
ESPN Chicago (1000 AM, 100.3 FM HD2) with Jeff Joniak (play-by-play), Tom Thayer (analyst), and Jason McKie (sideline) on the call, and LATINO MIX 93.5 FM (Spanish) with Omar Ramos.
ODDS
The visiting Bears are 2.5 point underdogs, with the game total over/under at 37.5.
POSTGAME/53-MAN ROSTER
No immediate postgame show for us, but we will be live on our 2nd City Gridiron YouTube channel with a Bear & Balanced on Sunday around 5:30 pm (CT). We’ll discuss Bears vs. Titans a bit and dive into the 53-man roster, which is due Sunday at 5.
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CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - AUGUST 26: Tight end Tommy Tremble #82 of the Carolina Panthers throws the ball during a joint practice with the Houston Texans at Carolina Panthers Practice Fields on August 26, 2026 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Matt Kelley/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The end of the 2026 preseason is upon us with the Carolina Panthers hosting the Houston Texans. Head coach Dave Canales is holding with tradition and resting all of the projected starters in tonight’s game. Instead of preparing the ones for the regular season, tonight is going to be about watching the guys who likely won’t make the initial 53-man roster.
These players are fighting for the last two or three spots on the roster and, more likely, to fill out the 16-man practice squad. The Panthers are currently carrying 88 players on their roster out of a maximum of 90. They have until Sunday at 6:00 PM ET to cut that number down to 53 players and the practice squad. Now is the last opportunity for your favorite training camp super star to make their name.
This is your open thread to follow along with all the action today.
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WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 22: Peyton Watson #8 of the Denver Nuggets celebrates with fans after the game against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on January 22, 2026 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) | Getty Images
It’s been a rollercoaster of an offseason for the Cleveland Cavaliers. It started with the possibility of securing LeBron James for a final championship run and farewell tour, only for that to go up in flames after nearly a month of waiting around.
Despite Plan A not working, Cleveland’s front office managed to do two important things this summer. They shed money, getting below the second apron after ending last season there. And they found what could be a more permanent solution at small forward by completing a sign-and-trade for Peyton Watson.
Here’s a quick overview of how the Cavs team is different now than they were at the end of last season.
These changes have Cavs fans feeling optimistic. Seventy-two percent of those surveyed earlier this week would give the Cavs an “A” or “B” grade for the moves made this summer.
We’ll have to wait a while to fully judge this offseason. Last year is a great example of why.
Many thought at this time last year that Lonzo Ball would be the perfect complementary backup guard and that the earlier De’Andre Hunter acquisition would start paying dividends. However, it became clear early on that neither of those things would be true, which forced the Cavs to move on from both players at the deadline. Hopefully for Cleveland, these moves age better than those ones did.
The rest of the Eastern Conference has gotten better as well. James and Jaylen Brown are with the Philadelphia 76ers. Giannis Antetokounmpo has a new home with the Miami Heat. Tyrese Haliburton will be back this season with the Indiana Pacers. And Kawhi Leonard is heading back to the Toronto Raptors.
Right now, it feels like there are over half a dozen teams that could realistically come out of the East. That is reflected in the current FanDuel odds.
Cleveland is currently tied with the Detroit Pistons for the fourth-highest odds to come out of the conference at +850. They trail the New York Knicks (+330), Sixers (+400), and Boston Celtics (+500). The Cavs are +2500 to win the Finals.
