The opening week of the NFL preseason concluded with 16 games played between Thursday and Saturday, offering teams their first opportunities to evaluate rosters and give less-prominent players a chance to compete for roster spots.
Several receivers made highlight-reel plays during the week. Denver’s Courtland Sutton impressed with three catches for 60 yards in limited action, demonstrating his ability to win contested catches alongside newly acquired Jaylen Waddle. Miami’s Caleb Douglas, New York Jets’ Garrett Wilson, Dallas’ Camden Brown, and Minnesota’s Myles Price also showcased their skills, with Brown and Price each recording one-handed touchdown catches. These performances illustrated how the preseason provides opportunities for less-heralded players to make their cases to coaching staffs.
Pittsburgh’s offense proved particularly impressive in a 28-9 victory over Green Bay on Thursday. Third-round draft pick Drew Allar, a former Penn State quarterback, entered in the second half and completed 10 of 13 passes for 153 yards and three total touchdowns. The Steelers also agreed to a four-year, $72 million contract extension with defensive end Keeanu Benton, a 2023 draft pick. Meanwhile, Green Bay’s rookie kicker Trey Smack went 3-for-3 on field goal attempts, including two 58-yard makes, suggesting the Packers’ decision to draft him may be paying dividends.
Arizona’s quarterback room, previously considered among the league’s weakest, produced encouraging results in a 27-14 win over Las Vegas. Jacoby Brissett, Gardner Minshew, and Kedon Slovis combined to complete 26 of 30 passes for 212 yards and three touchdowns, with Brissett and Minshew going a perfect 15 of 15 in the first half. Brissett’s performance in his lone possession included five consecutive completions for 44 yards and an impressive touchdown pass to Marvin Harrison Jr.
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