NFL Preseason Roundup: Highlights and Key Plays Across Exhibition Action

National Football League teams continued their preseason preparations with a series of exhibition games featuring notable plays from newly acquired veterans and recent college draft selections. In Denver, Broncos quarterback Bo Nix completed a 35-yard pass to wide receiver Jaylen Waddle, marking Waddle’s first reception as a member of the franchise. During the same game, Green Bay Packers running back Pierre Strong Jr. logged a 68-yard kickoff return against Denver.

Several games featured prominent defensive plays and turnovers. Houston Texans linebacker Wade Woodaz intercepted a pass from Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza—noted as the top overall pick in the draft—and returned it 80 yards for a touchdown. Houston running back Woody Marks added a 20-yard rushing touchdown, while Raiders quarterback Aidan O’Connell later connected with wide receiver Brandon Johnson on a 33-yard pass to set up Las Vegas at the one-yard line.

In Pittsburgh, the New York Jets established a 16-0 lead over the Steelers, highlighted by quarterback Brady Cook’s 31-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Quincy Skinner. New York defender David Bailey, listed as the second overall pick, recorded a sack against quarterback Will Howard. Pittsburgh rookie quarterback Drew Allar completed a sideline pass to tight end Lake McRee, while Steelers receiver Kaden Wetjen suffered a fumble that was recovered by New York.

Exhibition matchups in California and Seattle provided several long scoring returns and contested catches. San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jacob Cowing scored on an 83-yard punt return touchdown at SoFi Stadium, while teammate Sincere McCormick advanced the offense with a 37-yard run. Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Junior Colson intercepted 49ers quarterback Adrian Martinez and returned the ball 16 yards for a touchdown. Elsewhere, Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Camden Brown recorded a two-yard one-handed touchdown reception and a 39-yard touchdown catch from quarterback Sam Howell against Seattle, where Seahawks returner Rashad Rochelle executed a 52-yard punt return.

In other action around the league, Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Joey Aguilar completed a 43-yard pass to Trebor Pena on his first preseason throw for the franchise. New Orleans Saints running back Ty Chandler recorded an 86-yard kick return, while Saints quarterback Zach Wilson completed a 37-yard pass to Bub Means. Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Kelee Ringo intercepted Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Fagnano, who also threw a 16-yard touchdown pass to receiver Ja’Kobi Lane. Carolina Panthers quarterback Kenny Pickett delivered a touchdown pass to Roc Taylor, and New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart threw a touchdown pass to rookie Malachi Fields following a 40-yard third-down reception by running back Devin Singletary against the Minnesota Vikings.

Background

The National Football League conducts annual preseason exhibition games prior to the start of its regular season. These non-counting matches allow franchises to evaluate newly acquired players, test recent college draft picks, and finalize their active rosters before official competition begins.