CHARLOTTE, NC - AUGUST 28: Carolina Panthers linebacker Claudin Cherelus (53) tackles Houston Texans running back Deuce Vaughn (31) during a preseason NFL football game between the Houston Texans and the Carolina Panthers on August 28, 2026, at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C.(Photo by John Byrum/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
If you sat down to watch the third Texans’ preseason game and watched the entire thing, you get nothing but respect from me. Because this game was just difficult to watch. No starters played, as was expected because who wants to put starters at risk for a meaningless game, but there were things that we could learn from the game.
First of all, the offensive line cannot afford a single injury this season. Not a one. Because the depth behind the Texans line is upsetting. The backups, in the first drive of the game, surrendered two sacks of Davis Mills. That was the opening drive when our backups should have been up for the game getting completely pants’d by future grocery stockers.
While it might not be enough to get him a spot on the roster, Sabastian Harsh had the game of his life, racking up three tackles, a sack, and a pass deflection on the day. He might make the practice squad based on that performance.
Beyond that, it was a snooze for most of the game. Neither team scored a touchdown until late in the fourth quarter of the game. It was a bad, boring game that we had to get through to watch real football. And now we are clear for the regular season.
The Houston Texans’ season starts Sunday September 6 at noon CDT against the Buffalo Bills. We’ll see you then!
CINCINNATI, OH - AUGUST 22: Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Tacario Davis (20) walks off the field before the preseason game between the Chicago Bears and the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium on August 22, 2026 in Cincinnati, OH. (Photo by Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Rookie cornerback Tacario Davis was taken in the third round of the NFL Draft this season. It was a bit earlier than some experts anticipated, but the measurables were simply so rare to find.
At 6’4 and a hair under 195 lbs., you simply do not find guys at that size who can play corner every year, and it’s something the Cincinnati Bengals needed more of.
So, it’s good to see he does have some pretty good ball skills, which we saw in Friday’s preseason finale vs. the Philadelphia Eagles, turning a pass that went through the receiver’s hands into an interception.
This play is exactly what you want to see from your corners. Making a play on the ball in a split second that shouldn’t be there. He even had a little wiggle there on the return.
This also came after Davis had a beautiful deflection on the first drive of the game. The commentators said he is playing in this game because the coaches want to see him get more reps. They plan on deploying him in certain packages to use his size on bigger receivers.
For those that remember Tre Flowers who had a short stint with the team during their run to the Super Bowl. He was used against the talented tight ends that are such matchup nightmares for defenses. Davis may be used in a similar fashion early in his career.
Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Bryan Thomas Jr. (57) tallies a sack on Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jalon Daniels (10) during the second quarter of an NFL preseason football matchup at EverBank Stadum on Friday, Aug. 28, 2026 in Jacksonville, Fla. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union] | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co
The Jacksonville Jaguars closed out the preseason on a high note Friday night, turning in a dominant performance from their depth players in a convincing showing against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Jacksonville’s defense controlled the game throughout, consistently making plays and giving the younger players an opportunity to make their case for roster spots. Several players made sure their performances would be difficult to overlook, with the defense and special teams taking the spotlight in the shutout performance featuring 5 sacks, a takeaway, no first downs surrendered after halftime, and Tampa going 2 of 12 on third down on the day.
Here’s everything you need to know from Jacksonville’s 2026 Week 2 preseason 19-0 victory over the Buccaneers.
Game Recap
With both the Jaguars and the Buccaneers sitting the majority of starters following a week of two joint practices, Friday’s matchup was about the depth players locking in roster spots. While QB Nick Mullens’ role on the roster was never truly in jeopardy, he played his two first-quarter drives like a man fighting for something. Following last week’s 6/7, 65-yard performance, Mullens’ day wrapped with a similar 5/7 for 62 yards and a 98.5 passer rating against Tampa. While both drives ended with no points, the offense showed multiple explosive plays and three total first downs prior to punting.
One of those explosives came courtesy of Jacksonville’s stacked tight end room. Hunter Long completed his two longest receptions of the preseason on the opening two drives of the game. On the first, he rumbled down the right sideline on a 34-yard catch-and-run, then brought in a 13-yard catch in traffic before taking a hit that temporarily sent him to the medical tent in the first quarter.
On defense, second-year defensive end Jalen McLeod had a busy opening half with seven tackles, including a tackle for loss while in coverage, and a quarterback hit.
Meanwhile, undrafted free agent defensive end Bryan Thomas Jr. heard his name called early and often in this one with a tackle (1-yard gain), a pass deflection, two sacks, and a quarterback hit that initially looked to be a Jalen Huskey fumble returned for a touchdown. However, replay later overturned the fumble, crediting BTJ only with the quarterback pressure and hit. It was a major performance by BTJ, in his final offseason opportunity to audition for the roster.
In the secondary, the roster battle between Jabbar Muhammad and Christian Braswell may be a photo finish. Both players ended Friday with similar days, as both had two tackles, with one being solo. However, Braswell added a first-half pass breakup that was nearly intercepted by Muhammad, while Muhammad made a splash on special teams with his solo tackle coming on the punt team. With the roster cut-down taking place on Sunday at 4:00 pm, this competition will be one to watch, with two deserving players potentially vying for one role.
Biggest play(s) of the game:
Cam Little drilling a 61-yard kick turns what most consider a long attempt into an extra point.
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - AUGUST 28: Kyle Trask #14 of the Carolina Panthers looks to pass the ball during the first half of a preseason game against the Houston Texans at Bank of America Stadium on August 28, 2026 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by David Jensen/Getty Images) | Getty Images
First Quarter
If you thought a game in the rain featuring no starters was going to be a slog to watch offensively, you were right. Though there were moments to enjoy from a defensive perspective.
Trevis Gipson and Trevin Wallace each registered a sack to force a punt on the Texans’ first drive. The offense didn’t do anything and punted right back, but the defense got the ball right back with an interception by Lathan Ransom that was aided by more good pressure up front.
The Panthers at least got a couple of first downs on their next drive, but Kenny Pickett wasn’t able to find anyone on a 4th and 4 and the Panthers turned the ball over. DeVonta Smith broke up a couple of passes to get the ball back to the home team.
Pickett found Ja’seem Reed over the middle for a 17 yard gain as the first quarter came to a close.
Second Quarter
A false start by John Metchie III put the Panthers behind the sticks, and they couldn’t catch up. A Sam Martin punt downed the Texans at the 10.
The defense held up again and forced another punt. Kyle Trask checked in at quarterback and promptly through a very poor interception. That gave the Texans the ball in scoring range, so they were able to put a field goal on the board despite another stop by the defense.
The Trask-led offense picked up one first down before punting once again, but the defense got the ball back a couple plays later after a botched exchange was picked up by Cam Gill. Just like with the Texans, the offense couldn’t punch it in and settled for a field goal.
The Texans put together a decent drive in the two minute, but Brett Rypien overthrew a receiver and had his pass intercepted by Cam Miller. Trask strung together a couple of nice passes to get the Panthers into field goal range, where Ryan Fitzgerald knocked in his second kick of the night.
Third Quarter
The Panthers got the ball first and Ja’Seem Reed caught another 20 yard pass from Trask to get the offense moving. The drive stalled at midfield, and Sam Martin punted away. The Texans muffed the punt and recovered it inside their own five, but it was all moot as a flag for too many players on the field gave the Panthers a first down. Jimmy Horn Jr. had a nice run on a screen pass, but it was called back. Still, Trask was able to connect on a couple of passes to keep the drive alive into the red zone, though it wouldn’t make it to the end zone. Ryan Fitzgerald field goal number three put the Panthers up 9-3.
The Texans responded with a field goal drive of their own. There weren’t any explosives, but they nickel and dimed their way to a field goal to make it 9-6.
Fourth Quarter
The fourth quarter with a couple of quick passes to move the Panthers out past midfield. Trask seemed to have found a rhythm and was delivering his passes on time and on target. He worked the team into the red zone, then Miles Davis picked up a hard two yards on a 4th and 2. On the next play, he battered his was through the defense for what was almost a 10 yard touchdown. A review took the touchdown off the board. It took a couple more tries, but Davis eventually got his touchdown.
The Texans marched back down the field in response as they went into chase mode. They picked up a bunch of small gains and capped off the drive with a touchdown to Zay Jones. The Panthers couldn’t put together a drive to clinch the game and had to punt back to the Texans with a little over two minutes to play.
It looked like the defense had done their job and gotten off the field with a fourth down interception, but the game was extended by a pass interference penalty. All that did was gave the Panthers a chance to rack up two more violent sacks from Elijah Garcia and Jeremiah Moon. The latter jarred the ball free, and Cam Gill pounced on it for his second fumble recovery of the game.
Overview
There’s not a whole lot to glean from a preseason game in which none of the starters played, but the defense showed out and a number of players put plays on film that are going to have the coaches talking.
Rosters have to be finalized by Sunday, and then the regular season kicks off two weeks later.
Aug 28, 2026; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens head coach Jesse Minter prior to the game against the Washington Commanders at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
The Baltimore Ravens left nothing on the field on Friday night, dominating the Washington Commanders start to finish and leaving with a 41-3 victory to close out an undefeated preseason. Here are Baltimore Beatdown’s reactions to the win:
This was about as dominant of a performance that you will ever see. Baltimore’s defense was absolutely suffocating for the third game in a row this preseason. With so many quality players on defense, the Ravens are going to have to make several difficult decisions to get the roster down to 53 players. It was encouraging to see the rushing attack come alive on offense after struggling to get going in the first two games. Joe Fagnano had another excellent outing, making a strong case for Baltimore to carry three quarterbacks on the 53-man roster. The lone negative from this game is of course the performance of Tyler Loop. Loop entered this game on shaky ground and may have forced the Ravens to go to the street to find another kicker after two more misses tonight. – Dustin Cox
If there’s one thing that I take away from this game, it’s part of a larger whole: this defensive staff looks like they’re going to do great things.
This game wasn’t even close, and much of that was owed to the defense being disruptive early and often. You saw PBUs in big spots, several plays where the ball-carrier was blown up in the backfield, and Ethan Burke with another impressive play as he forced a fumble. Even with the grain of salt that Washington’s O-line is in terrible shape, having this defense allow only a single touchdown across the entire preseason with their second and third team defenses out there is a testament to how organized Coaches Minter and Weaver have this bunch. If that side of the ball is as organized as it looks and the offense can keep LJ upright, this team is going to be a squad to be reckoned with. – Kevin McNelis
It was a dominant preseason debut for Jesse Minter’s Ravens, finishing 3-0 and only allowing one score in each of their three games. It’s hard to tell what roster questions were answered. Both Adam Randall and Rasheen Ali played well enough to justify carrying three or four backs. There’s no clear winner on the center starter. Even with Jenkins and Washington sitting out this game, they could still get traded with Peebles, Okoye, Benny and Olajiga all making plays to make the roster. Fagnano certainly made his case for keeping three quarterbacks but can the Ravens truly do that with how massive the roster crunch is this year? All three of Burke, Rucker, and Isaac made plays. In fact, with how many questions weren’t answered, we had another question added: will Tyler Loop make this roster? Loop only went 2/4 and his struggles from distance continued after going 1/5 last year from 50+. The Ravens should really consider signing a free agent. – Zach Canter
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - AUGUST 28: Cam Miller #15 of the Miami Dolphins slides after a run against the Atlanta Falcons during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium on August 28, 2026 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Miami Dolphins closed out their preseason schedule on Friday night, losing to the Atlanta Falcons in South Florida’s Hard Rock Stadium. The Dolphins played well for much of the game, at least well enough to not be blown out like they were in their first two preseason games.
Miami did not play their starters in the game, giving the roster bubble, depth, and developmental players a bigger opportunity to make their final pitch for a roster spot. Unfortunately for the Dolphins, they now finish the preseason without a win in three tries.
Next on the NFL calendar are roster cuts, which are due by 6 p.m. Eastern on Sunday. Waiver claims and practice squad signings will happen early next week, then the team will start their preparations for the regular season. Miami opens the season on September 13 at the Las Vegas Raiders.
Final Score
Falcons 17 – 12 Dolphins
Dolphins second-team defense stands up to Falcons starters
Miami elected to sit all of their starters for this game, using the final preseason game as a chance to get an extended look at the depth players one last time before cutdown day on Sunday. The Falcons played their starters, using the game to tune up the first team and prepare for the regular season. A philosophical coaching difference put a tough task in front of Miami’s second-team defense – but they stepped up to the test.
After Miami punted to end the opening drive of the game, the Falcons were able to drive down the field and score on a three-yard run from Brian Robinson, Jr., but the Miami defense stiffened after that.
After Miami kicked a field goal, Falcons quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, making his return to South Florida after six seasons with the Dolphins, fumbled the first snap of Atlanta’s second drive, with Miami linebacker Willie Gay, Jr., recovering. Miami was unable to score on the resulting possession, having a long field goal attempt blocked, but the defense again made something happen. On a 1st and 10 from the Miami 18-yard line, linebacker Tyrel Dodson hit Robinson on the ball and forced a fumble, with linebacker Jackson Woodard falling on the loose ball.
The first quarter ended during Miami’s possession and the Falcons pulled their first team on the next possession. Atlanta’s starters were only able to score a touchdown on three drives against Miami’s second-team defense, with the Dolphins getting two takeaways during the period. Tagovailoa finished the game 7-for-8 for 95 yards, 59 of them to tight end Kyle Pitts who had a 37 yard gain on the opening drive, and Robinson picked up 15 yards on five carries, including the touchdown push, so it was not perfect. But, overall, Miami’s second defense was able to stand up against the Falcons’ first-team offense.
Special teams could be key to making or missing the roster
Making an impact on special teams is an easy way to stand out among the crowd of players hoping to make it to the 53-man roster. Cornerback Ethan Bonner, who is likely already locked onto the roster, was flying downfield on the first punt from the team – he overran the tackle, but he was moving out there. Cameron Goode was in on the tackle on that punt, and he likely needs to get noticed on special teams to claim a roster spot.
Wide receiver Jalen Reagor had one catch for 17 yards for his offensive production, but his return work on kicks and punts is what makes him likely to stick around this year. He had one punt return for 10 yards and he returned three kicks for 96 yards, giving him a 32-yard average; his long return was 46 yards.
On the other end of the spectrum, punter Bradley Pinion continues to make me nervous for the season. Miami is going to need its punter to be consistent and a field-position-changing weapon, and Pinion has not been that this summer. He has some good kicks, but he shanks them just as often. After the Preseason Week 1 game against the Washington Commanders, I wrote, “Punter Bradley Pinion is a concern, with some of his kicks tonight seeming off. He may work off the rust and be ready by the regular season, but his performance tonight didn’t instill confidence.” Nothing tonight changed any of those concerns. I would not be surprised if the Dolphins start shopping for a punter – and given the adventure that was field goal attempts tonight, breaking up the long snapper to punter/holder to the kicker battery is not going to be a major issue.
Chris Bell makes impact
Rookie wide receiver Chris Bell, who was on the non-football injury list for much of the summer as he recovered from an ACL tear he sustained in his final year at Louisville, made his debut with the Dolphins on Friday night. He was targeted often early in the game, catching two passes for 22 yards.
The coaches rightfully got him out of the game fairly quickly, giving him just enough time to take some hits and play at the NFL speed, but then got him to the sideline and protected him for the regular season. It was a solid debut for the receiver.
Miami is proving to be allergic to the endzone
The Dolphins scored a touchdown on the opening drive of their first preseason game, the only drive the Miami starters played this summer. Miami did not score again in that game. Last week, they kicked a second-quarter field goal, their only points in the game. This week, they had a field goal in each quarter.
The Dolphins cannot find the end zone. Hopefully, their allergy to touchdowns is only a depth issue and not something the starters have developed as well.
Quarterback Mark Gronowski at least created a discussion
The Miami Dolphins will likely head into the regular season with Malik Willis as the starting quarterback and Quinn Ewers as the backup. Cam Miller started the game, then gave way to Mark Gronowski for the second half. Both players are likely to be waived in the roster cuts that are coming, but Miami could consider bringing one back to the practice squad – and Gronowski made an argument that he could stick around as a developmental option.
The undrafted rookie finished 4-for-8 for 97 yards, giving him a 94.3 passer rating. That is fine, but it was his ability to run for chunk yardage that could make him an interesting project. He rushed four times for 28 yards and looked fast. He may not stick around, especially since the Dolphins already cut him once this summer only to bring him back when Ewers was injured, but there might be enough there to warrant a practice squad spot.
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - AUGUST 28: Jack Velling #84 of the Atlanta Falcons reacts to his touchdown against the Miami Dolphins during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium on August 28, 2026 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Atlanta Falcons turned the ball over twice and still went into halftime with a 17-6 lead, which says a lot more about the Dolphins than it does the Falcons. Then things got predictably slow and ugly.
Atlanta’s offensive gameplan seemed to be heavily predicated on screens and short passes, and that had the dual effect of not revealing much of what Atlanta plans to get up to on offense this year and making this something of a slog. Tua Tagovailoa’s fumbled snap, Brian Robinson’s fumble, and a comically tipped and bobbled Jack Strand pass that was intercepted made for an ugly night, even if the Falcons were very obviously if narrowly the better team against Miami’s reserves. The defense got plenty of pressure and did a nice job against the run all night, but saw the cornerbacks implode a bit to give Miami a real shot at climbing back into this one.
Ultimately, the defensive effort up front and just enough offense combined to give Atlanta a 17-12 win, but that’s the less important result. The more important one is that the Falcons have enough information between these games and training camp to make the roster decisions they must make before Sunday at 6 p.m., especially at spots like running back, inside linebacker, and cornerback where the decisions might have been tougher before Friday night.
Here’s the drive-by-drive recap of the game you just watched.
1st Quarter
Jalen Reagor took the kickoff to about the 25 yard line, but an illegal formation call on the Dolphins backed them up immediately. A quick pass to Chris Bell picked up about five yards on a comeback route working against A.J. Terrell. A handoff to Carlos Washington Jr. (former Falcon sighting!) lost multiple yards after Samson Ebukam hit him. Cam Miller scrambled for a first down, but a penalty backed the Dolphins up 10 yards. Miller then ran backwards away from pressure and threw it away, with Brandon Dorlus almost getting him. The punt saw a nice return from Zachariah Branch that got the Falcons close to midfield.
Tua Tagovailoa took the field as the starting quarterback and hit Jahan Dotson for a first down. Brian Robinson Jr. was swallowed up on the secnod down carry for no gain. A penalty backed the Falcons up to 2nd and 17, and then Tua hit Kyle Pitts over the middle for six yards. On 3rd and 11, Pitts took a screen almost to the 10 yard line for 37 yards. Robinson then took it about seven yards through contact. Robinson then took it again and picked up the first down. On first down, Tua rolled away from pressure but had to throw it away. On second down, though, Robinson pushed his way through to the end zone to make it 7-0 Falcons.
Miller hit Jalen Tolbert, who made an impressive 19 yard leaping grab. Cameron Thomas then sacked Miller on first down. Miller then ran up the middle and slid to gain back the lost yardage. Miller then hit Bell over the middle for 18 yards. Washington then picked up three yards. Miller then threw it too low for Reagor, and then Mike Hughes and DeMarcco Hellams combined to knock out a pass to Bell. The field goal attempt was good to make it 7-3 Falcons.
The kick went out of bounds, giving the Falcons the ball at the 40. Unfortunately, Tua couldn’t get his hands on the snap and fumbled it, giving the Dolphins the ball around the 35.
Miller threw a floater that Bell nearly reeled in on the sideline, with CJ Henderson working in coverage. A quick pass to Tolbert picked up six or so yards but Henderson was there to wrestle him out of bounds. Miller then almost threw a pick as Mike Hughes and DeMarcco Hellams arrived. The field goal was blocked by Chris Williams, who made a hell of a leap.
A quick Tua pass to Brian Robinson went for eight yards. Then he hit Pitts over the middle and Pitts high stepped away from a tackle for a first down and much more. A quick sideline ball to Jahan Dotson went for about seven yards, and a penalty on Miami was declined. A false start on Jawaan Taylor backed the Falcons up. A quick pass from Tua to Dotson went for another first. Unfortunately, Robinson fumbled on the next carry and the Dolphins recovered.
Miller missed badly on first down. Washington got six yards on second down. Miller then tried to run and did not make it to the first down marker.
2nd Quarter
Dylan Drummond returned the punt for a handful of yards. Then a quick pass from Cooper Rush went for five yards, and a handoff to Tyler Goodson went nowhere. The Falcons did not pick up a first down on the next play. Punt.
A false start backed the Dolphins up. Miller then tried to roll out and Jammie Robinson got him. Washington then took a toss and got upended after about four yards. Miller held on to the ball too long and Harold Perkins Jr. got him with the sack as the ball squirted out of bounds. Punt.
Cooper Rush got away from pressure and hit Jack Velling for a first down. Goodson was stymied on first down. Then Rush hit Nick Muse just short of a first down, and the run was stuffed. A fourth down pass to Chris Blair was good for a first down. Rush then hit Nate Carter for a very small gain. Rush under pressure threw it very low and Blair scooped it for a first down. A quick pass to Goodson picked up five yards. Rush then folled out and hit Vinny Anthony for a first down. Goodson then pushed his way down to the three yard line. Rush then threw it a little behind a tumbling Drummond for an incompletion. On third down, though, Rush hit Jack Velling over the middle for a touchdown to make it 14-3 Falcons.
Reagor then got back to almost midfield on the return. Miller then completed a pass over the middle for a first down. A toss to Washington went for about two yards. A quick throw to Tolbert picked up four yards. Miller then had the pass dropped with Henderson hitting him. Riley Patterson juuuuust hit the 45 yard field goal try to make it 14-6 Falcons.
Goodson took it across the 30, but a penalty backed up the return. Rush patted it and then hit Drummond for about five yards. Rush then ran away from pressure and just missed Velling to the sideline. Rush under pressure tried to hit Blair and just missed him. Punt, and it was a beauty from Bailey to prevent much of a return.
Miller was almost sacked on first down by Christian Harris. Miller was under a ton of pressure on second down and then nearly threw a pick. Another incompletion followed, and then it was punt time. Bradley Pinion’s punt went out of bounds.
Cooper Rush then threw a low pass that Anthony tried to reel in but just couldn’t. Rush then got Velling for about eight yards over the middle. Rush then hit Blair again for a first down. Then Rush finally uncorked one after a lot of short passes, hitting Goodson in stride, with Goodson hitting a nice spin move and spiking it to set up the field goal try Nick Folk easily hit. 17-6 Falcons.
3rd Quarter
The punt was muffed, but recovered. Jack Strand handed it to Nate Carter for a good pickup, but a penalty on Atlanta backed things up. Strand then hit Keelan Marion for about six yards. Strand followed that up with a very quick pass to Muse for a couple of yards. Strand then tried to get away from pressure and was sacked on third down. Punt.
Washington made it nowhere on first down. Under pressure, new quarterback Mark Gronowski rolled away and threw it away. Gronowski then threw a pretty downfield ball and Terrace Marshall simply got leverage on Cobee Bryant to make the big grab. Gronowski then hit Tolbert for another first down, this one against Clark Phillips (who also got called for a pass interference call). Washington then picked up about six yards. Washington then almost picked up the first down and then almost got it again. On fourth down, Washington powered through before Phillips finally got him. Washington then tried to get a touchdown but was stymied at the one yard line. Then Washington was hit by Josh Woods and Carlos Allen Jr. on second down. Gronowski then threw it a bit low and the receiver couldn’t get it. A false start by the Dolphins backed them up, and they settled for the field goal. 17-9 Falcons.
Carter picked up three yards, and then made a couple defenders miss en route to another six yards. Strand then tried the sneak and came up just short. Punt, but a five yard penalty brought Bailey back out.
Gronowski got Reagor for a first down. That was followed by a one yard run. Gronowski then got blocking and went for a first down. Then Gronowski had a pass simply doink off a receiver’s hands, followed by a one yard run. Gronowski then ran for a first down again. The Dolphins then picked up a yard.
4th Quarter
Gronowski then threw for about seven yards. A faked handoff and scramble was stopped cold after a yard or two. Then there was a fumbled snap that Josh Woods recovered. Falcons ball.
A two yard gain beget a Strand pass to Cash Jones for seven yards. The third down carry went nowhere, and the team punted again.
A quick loss was offset by Falcons’ defensive holding. The subsequent first down run went nowhere, and a quick pass over the middle picked up six yards that moved back owing to an illegal formation call. A quick screen then went for a huge gain after multiple Falcons missed their shots. A fake handoff and deep shot fell incomplete after Reagor lost it, though he handily beat Malcolm DeWalt IV on the play. A quick run only picked up three yards. GroThe nowski was run out of bounds after losing a yard on a run. Punt.
Strand hit Antwane Wells Jr. for a first down, but a penalty backed things up. Strand then hit Anthony for about six yards over the middle. His next pass went off Nate Carter’s hands, was tipped off another Miami defender’s hands, and ultimately picked off.
On first down, Gronowski tried to run and James Pearce Jr. got him for no gain. Washington then got a yard or two. Gronowski then tried to run again and was taken down by Pearce again. The field goal try was good, making it 17-12 Falcons.
Vinny Anthony had a huge return, getting past midfield and further cementing his case for a spot. After a nothing first down, Strand then slid for a yard with nobody open and hit Wells for a first down. The Falcons then picked up nothing on the first down handoff to Jones. Strand then rolled out and hit Velling for about seven yards. Strand then faked the handoff and ran it for a first down. The Falcons then kneeled it out.
The 2026-27 season is almost here for the Montreal Canadiens. The Habs are entering this campaign with the goal of taking another step forward from their very successful 2025-26 season.
The Canadiens also have multiple pending free agents heading into the new season.
Due to this, here is a complete list of the Canadiens' pending unrestricted free agents and pending restricted free agents heading into the 2026-27 season.
Canadiens' Pending UFAs
Josh Anderson, F
Kirby Dach, F
Phillip Danault, F
Alexandre Carrier, D
Samuel Montembeault, G
Alex Belzile, F
Lucas Condotta, F
Reilly Walsh, D
Kaapo Kahkonen, G
Samuel Poulin, F (Group 6 Pending UFA)
Canadiens' Pending RFAs
Alex Newhook, F
Oliver Kapanen, F
Brett Berard, F
Jayden Struble, D
Florian Xhekaj, F
Filip Mesar, F
Owen Beck, F
Sasha Pastujov, F
Jared Davidson, F
Hunter McKown, F
Adam Engstrom, D
Ethan Samson, D
Maksymilian Szuber, D
Canadiens Have Some Notable Players Entering The Final Years Of Their Contracts
When looking at the Canadiens' pending UFAs and RFAs, there are a few notable names. Among the most notable are Newhook, Anderson, Dach, Kapanen, Carrier, Danault, Struble, and Montembeault. With that, the Canadiens will have some decisions to make, but especially with their pending UFAs.
It will be interesting to see how these players can perform during their contract years from here.
The 2026-27 season is right around the corner. The Columbus Blue Jackets are entering this season with the hope of taking a step forward and getting back into the playoffs for the first time since 2020.
The Blue Jackets are also entering this season with multiple players who are pending free agents, both unrestricted and restricted.
Because of this, here's a full list of the Blue Jackets' pending free agents ahead of the 2026-27 season.
Blue Jackets' Pending UFAs
Danton Heinen, F
Isaac Lundestrom, F
Erik Gudbranson, D
Jake Christiansen, D
Elvis Merzlikins, G
Pheonix Copley, G
Owen Sillinger, F
Blue Jackets' Pending RFAs
Kirill Marchenko, F
Dmitri Voronkov, F
Kent Johnson, F
Luca Del Bel Belluz, F
Denton Mateychuk, D
Joshua Eernisse, F
Riley Bezeau, F
Max McCue, F
Jordan Dumais, F
James Malatesta, F
Guillaume Richard, D
Caleb MacDonald, D
Corson Ceulemans, D
Nolan Lalonde, G
Marchenko Headlines The Blue Jackets' Pending Free Agents
When looking at the Blue Jackets' pending free agents, it is clear that Marchenko is the biggest one. The star pending RFA winger has been the subject of trade speculation this summer, and it will be interesting to see if Columbus can convince him to stick around.
However, the Blue Jackets have other notable players like Johnson, Voronkov, and Mateychuk who will be due for new deals after this season.
Jets rookie running back Chip Trayanum was injured on the final play of the first half in Friday night's preseason game against the Giants.
Giants linebacker Trace Ford reached Trayanum just as quarterback Cade Klubnik handed the ball to Trayanum on the final play of the first half. Ford trucked Trayanum, who remained on the ground as medical personnel worked on him for several minutes.
Many of the Jets remained on the field, taking a knee and watching with concern.
Rich Cimini of ESPN reports that Trayanum appeared to be wearing a neck brace as he was strapped into the cart.
Trayanum had 12 carries for 38 yards and a touchdown and caught two passes for 25 yards in the first half.
The Jets report that Trayanum is headed to the hospital, but is awake, alert and has movement in his extremities.
They have ruled out sixth-round rookie guard Anez Cooper (shoulder).
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 8: Les Snead of the Los Angeles Rams on the sideline during a game against the Philadelphia Eagles at SoFi Stadium on October 8, 2023 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Ric Tapia/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Los Angeles Rams enter the 2026 season with some of the highest expectations in the NFL, and the latest odds from FanDuel Sportsbook reflect that confidence. FanDuel currently lists the Rams at +500 to win Super Bowl LXI, making them the favorite to capture the Lombardi Trophy.
The Rams are completing the final touches on their roster as they work towards the 53 man roster limit. Teams working to get to their 53 may have to make some tough decisions; leaving other franchises potentially interested. The majority of players released will have to pass through waivers.
The NFL waiver system determines which team has the first opportunity to claim a player who has been waived. If multiple teams submit claims for the same player, the organization positioned highest in the waiver priority receives the player.
The Los Angeles Rams have an elite roster on paper right now and will likely release a handful of players that other teams have interest in. The Rams, themselves may have interest in cut candidates on other rosters but acquiring them may not be as easy.
Waiver Rules
For the initial waiver period following roster cutdowns, as well as the first three weeks of the regular season, waiver priority follows the league’s original draft order from that year. Trades involving draft picks and forfeited selections do not alter the waiver order.
Players with fewer than four accrued NFL seasons generally must pass through waivers when released. An accrued season is credited when a player spends at least six games on a team’s active roster, PUP list, or injured reserve.
Once a qualifying player is waived, other teams have an opportunity to submit a claim, with the waiver period typically lasting 24 hours. Players with four or more accrued seasons, often referred to as veterans, generally are not subject to the standard waiver process.
Tyrone Tracy is attended to after being injured Friday night. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Tyrone Tracy’s nightmarish preseason took another seemingly unfortunate turn on Friday night when he left the New York Giants’ game against the New York Jets with an injury.
Tracy, the Giants’ leading rusher the past two seasons, has had a rough preseason. He missed a block in the first preseason game against the Minnesota Vikings that led to quarterback Jaxson Dart taking a big hit. In Week 2 against the Miami Dolphins, Tracy fumbled in the red zone despite being untouched.
Running backs Cam Skattebo and Devin Singletary did not dress for Friday’s game. Tracy, looking to play a clean game after the miscues in the first games, and Najee Harris did.
Tracy was having an excellent night before being injured. He had four carries for 37 yards, an average of 9.3 yards per carry. Tracy had a 6-yard touchdown run, and a long run of 16 yards.
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - AUGUST 23: Chris Paul Jr. #49 of the Seattle Seahawks looks on during the first half of Week 2 of the preseason game against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium on August 23, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Johnnie Izquierdo/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Many L.A. Rams fans were excited about the selection of linebacker Chris Paul in the fifth round of the 2025 draft, but he was one of the most surprising cuts at the end of training camp year. Not only did Paul fail to make the Rams roster, he was left off of the practice squad entirely and picked up by the Seattle Seahawks. Paul spent the 2025 season on Seattle’s practice squad and was expected to compete for a spot on the Seahawks’ 53-man roster as a backup this year, but history repeats itself.
Chris “Pooh” Paul was released on Thursday. He cleared waivers, meaning no team wanted to use a claim on him, and will revert to Seattle’s injury reserve. However, the Seahawks are likely going to release Paul outright with an injury settlement, making him a free agent again.
Chris Pooh Paul clears waivers and reverts to the #seahawks Injured Reserve.
It’s hard to believe the fall for Paul has been so quick and emphatic. The Rams didn’t want him. No other teams wanted him. Then the Seahawks gave him a whole year to win a job and now Seattle doesn’t want him.
Expected to compete for a spot on L.A.’s starting defense in 2025, Paul is just looking for any job in 2026.
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - AUGUST 15: Marist Liufau #35 of the Dallas Cowboys looks on during the first quarter during the NFL preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field on August 15, 2026 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Jack Compton/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Dallas Cowboys saw one of their bubble players suffer an apparent injury halfway through the second quarter of their preseason finale against the New Orleans Saints. It was Marist Liufau who had the apparent wrist injury.
Cowboys OLB Marist Liufau is down and being tended to by the medical staff.
The broadcast noted that Liufau was labeled as questionable to return to the game with a wrist injury. He could indeed be seen grabbing at his wrist as he took a knee on the ground and had to be tended to. He has been one of the players on the roster bubble with regards to making the team in general, and it goes without saying that this could be a potential factor in that math.
Time will tell what his status is moving forward and into Sunday when roster cuts are due as teams have to create an initial 53-man roster. The team likes his special teams ability, but this injury could be a deciding factor depending on severity.
New York Giants running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. suffered an apparent injury during his team's preseason Week 3 game against the New York Jets.
The injury occurred as Tracy was tackled at the end of an 8-yard run with just over seven minutes remaining in the second quarter. The 26-year-old lowered his head while trying to power through contact and hit the crown of his helmet hard on the shoulder of Jets safety Jarius Monroe.
Tracy's neck was seemingly compressed as a result of the hit.
