As an NFL enthusiast, I’ve been closely following the preseason action that’s setting the stage for another thrilling football season. From rookie sensations making their debuts to position battles heating up across training camps, there’s no shortage of excitement in the lead-up to kickoff.
I’m particularly intrigued by the quarterback competitions unfolding in several camps and the impressive performances from this year’s draft class. The preseason games have already delivered surprising moments, with undrafted free agents turning heads and veteran players showing they’ve still got what it takes to compete at the highest level. Through my analysis of training camp reports and preseason matchups, I’ll break down the most significant developments that’ll shape the upcoming NFL season.
Key Takeaways
- NFL preseason news highlights major rookie quarterback battles, with Bryce Young, C.J. Stroud, and Anthony Richardson showing promise in their respective training camps
- Several key position battles are heating up across teams, particularly at running back (Rams), wide receiver (Jets), and cornerback (Bears) positions
- Notable free agent signings include Odell Beckham Jr. (Ravens), Dalvin Cook (Jets), and JuJu Smith-Schuster (Patriots), reshaping team dynamics
- Emerging breakout players like Jordan Love (Packers), Jahan Dotson (Commanders), and rookie Bijan Robinson (Falcons) are making strong impressions in training camp
- The 2023 preseason features updated rules and protocols, including reduced practice contact limitations and a three-game format to enhance player safety
NFL Preseason News
I’ve tracked the most significant developments from NFL training camps across the league, focusing on position battles and player performances that shape team dynamics. These storylines emerge as crucial indicators for the upcoming regular season.
Rookie Quarterback Battles
The rookie quarterback situation commands attention at three key camps. Bryce Young solidifies his starting role in Carolina, displaying precise passing mechanics with 85% completion rate in team drills. C.J. Stroud competes with Davis Mills in Houston, completing 28 passes in 35 attempts during joint practices. Anthony Richardson shows dynamic athleticism in Indianapolis, recording a 4.5-second 40-yard dash while adapting to the first-team offense.
Position Battles To Watch
Critical position battles unfold across multiple teams during training camp:
| Team | Position | Competitors | Stats in Camp |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rams | RB1 | Cam Akers vs. Kyren Williams | Akers: 125 scrimmage yards, Williams: 98 yards |
| Jets | WR2 | Allen Lazard vs. Mecole Hardman | Lazard: 12 catches, Hardman: 8 catches |
| Bears | CB2 | Tyrique Stevenson vs. Kyler Gordon | Stevenson: 3 INTs, Gordon: 2 PBUs |
| Raiders | RT | Jermaine Eluemunor vs. Thayer Munford | 85% & 82% pass block win rate |
The competition at wide receiver intensifies in Green Bay, where Romeo Doubs leads rookies with 15 receptions in team drills. Dallas features a tight three-way battle at running back between Tony Pollard, Rico Dowdle and Malik Davis, each averaging 4.5+ yards per carry in practice scenarios.
Key Injuries And Recovery Updates
I’m tracking critical injury developments across NFL training camps, with several high-impact players managing recoveries that affect their preseason participation.
Players On PUP List
The Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list features prominent players facing early-season challenges:
| Player | Team | Injury Type |
|---|---|---|
| Von Miller | Bills | ACL Recovery |
| Trey Hopkins | Bengals | Knee Surgery |
| Jack Conklin | Browns | Foot Injury |
| Christian Watson | Packers | Hamstring |
| Travis Etienne | Jaguars | Ankle Rehab |
Expected Return Timelines
Recovery projections indicate varied return dates for key players:
| Player | Expected Return | Status Update |
|---|---|---|
| Von Miller | Week 4-6 | Progressive knee strengthening |
| Christian Watson | Week 1 | Limited practice participation |
| Travis Etienne | Preseason Week 3 | Individual drills started |
| Jack Conklin | Week 2 | Running with trainers |
| Trey Hopkins | Regular Season | Post-surgery rehabilitation |
Teams maintain cautious approaches with these recoveries, prioritizing regular-season readiness over preseason participation. Players demonstrate positive progress through individualized rehabilitation programs designed for optimal return timing.
Notable Free Agent Signings
Free agent acquisitions have reshaped several NFL rosters during the preseason, with teams strategically addressing key positional needs through veteran talent acquisition.
Impact Veteran Additions
I’m tracking several game-changing veteran signings that transformed team dynamics in the 2023 preseason:
- Odell Beckham Jr. (Ravens) – Signed a $15M contract to provide elite receiving talent alongside Lamar Jackson
- Dalvin Cook (Jets) – Joined New York’s backfield on a $8.6M deal to complement Breece Hall
- Jamaal Williams (Saints) – Secured a $12M contract after his 1,000-yard season with Detroit
- JuJu Smith-Schuster (Patriots) – Inked a $33M deal to become New England’s primary receiver
| Player | New Team | Contract Value | Previous Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| Odell Beckham Jr. | Ravens | $15M | Free Agent |
| Dalvin Cook | Jets | $8.6M | Vikings |
| Jamaal Williams | Saints | $12M | Lions |
| JuJu Smith-Schuster | Patriots | $33M | Chiefs |
- Beckham Jr. displays refined route-running in Ravens’ camp sessions
- Cook integrates into Jets’ offensive schemes with explosive practice plays
- Williams establishes himself as Saints’ lead back through camp drills
- Smith-Schuster builds chemistry with Mac Jones during preseason preparations
Preseason Schedule Highlights
The NFL preseason news schedule features compelling matchups across three weeks of exhibition games. I’ve identified key games that showcase emerging talent and critical position battles.
Must-Watch Exhibition Games
- Jets vs Browns (August 3): Aaron Rodgers’ debut with the Jets against Cleveland’s revamped defense
- Lions vs Giants (August 11): Detroit’s explosive offense meets New York’s defensive upgrades
- Cowboys vs Seahawks (August 19): High-powered offenses clash in a potential playoff preview
- Ravens vs Commanders (August 21): AFC North contenders test their depth against Washington
- Panthers vs Lions (August 25): Bryce Young faces Detroit’s aggressive defensive front
- Bengals vs Commanders (August 26): Joe Burrow leads Cincinnati’s offensive unit in final tune-up
Prime Time Matchups
- Eagles vs Ravens (August 12, 7:00 PM ET, NBC): Philadelphia’s new-look defense faces Baltimore’s Lamar Jackson
- Raiders vs 49ers (August 13, 4:00 PM ET, CBS): Bay Area rivalry showcases QB competitions
- Chiefs vs Saints (August 13, 1:00 PM ET, Fox): Patrick Mahomes meets New Orleans’ defensive stars
- Steelers vs Bills (August 19, 6:30 PM ET, NBC): Kenny Pickett tests Buffalo’s secondary
- Patriots & Packers: August 16-17 in Green Bay
- Eagles & Browns: August 14-15 in Philadelphia
- Dolphins & Texans: August 16-17 in Houston
- Vikings & Cardinals: August 21-22 in Minnesota
| Week | Notable Game | Key Storyline | Network |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jets vs Browns | Rodgers’ Jets Debut | NBC |
| 2 | Eagles vs Ravens | NFC vs AFC Clash | NBC |
| 3 | Panthers vs Lions | Young vs Lions D | CBS |
Breakout Players To Monitor
I’m tracking several emerging players who’ve demonstrated exceptional performance during NFL training camps. These standouts are positioning themselves for significant roles in the upcoming season through impressive practice sessions preseason game performances.
Rising Stars In Camp
- Jordan Love (Packers QB) showcases improved accuracy with an 80% completion rate in team drills completing 45-yard touchdown passes to Romeo Doubs Christian Watson.
- Jahan Dotson (Commanders WR) demonstrates elite route-running skills logging 12 receptions 165 yards across joint practice sessions.
- Jaylen Warren (Steelers RB) elevates his status with explosive plays including three 20+ yard runs in team periods.
- Tank Dell (Texans WR) emerges as a reliable target for C.J. Stroud connecting on 15 of 17 targets in 7-on-7 drills.
- Trey McBride (Cardinals TE) dominates red zone periods with 6 touchdown catches in 4 practice sessions.
| Player | Position | Team | Notable Camp Stats |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jordan Love | QB | Packers | 80% completion rate |
| Jahan Dotson | WR | Commanders | 12 rec, 165 yards |
| Jaylen Warren | RB | Steelers | 3 runs of 20+ yards |
| Tank Dell | WR | Texans | 88% catch rate |
| Trey McBride | TE | Cardinals | 6 TD in 4 sessions |
Rookie Revelations
- Bijan Robinson (Falcons RB) displays versatility with 8 receptions 95 yards in his first practice week.
- Jaxon Smith-Njigba (Seahawks WR) excels in slot routes recording 25 catches during team periods.
- Will Anderson Jr. (Texans EDGE) records 5 sacks in 3 practices showcasing elite pass-rush moves.
- Sam LaPorta (Lions TE) emerges as a reliable target securing 18 of 20 targets in red zone drills.
- Devon Witherspoon (Seahawks CB) locks down receivers allowing only 2 completions in 15 targets.
- Greg Dulcich (Broncos TE) emerges as Sean Payton’s favorite target with consistent separation wins.
- Wan’Dale Robinson (Giants WR) shows full recovery making sharp cuts catching 90% of targets.
- Kendre Miller (Saints RB) impresses with vision balance recording 145 yards in team periods.
- Isaiah Hodgins (Giants WR) builds on last season’s momentum securing 4 touchdown catches in joint practices.
- Tyler Scott (Bears WR) demonstrates deep-threat capability averaging 18.5 yards per reception in team drills.
Changes To Preseason Format
The NFL has implemented significant format modifications for the 2023 preseason to enhance player safety and game quality. These changes reflect the league’s commitment to evolving its preseason structure while maintaining competitive evaluation opportunities.
New Rules And Protocols
The NFL has introduced 3 key rule modifications for the 2023 preseason:
- Practice Contact Limitations
- 16 padded practices maximum during preseason
- No live contact drills in first 4 days of camp
- 2-hour limit on practice duration
- 48-hour rest period between consecutive padded practices
- Game Structure Updates
- 3 preseason games per team (reduced from 4)
- Mandatory rest days following preseason games
- Modified overtime rules testing in select games
- Enhanced sideline medical monitoring systems
- Player Evaluation Periods
- Extended roster cut deadlines
- Increased practice squad size to 16 players
- Flexible veteran tryout windows
- Additional opportunities for undrafted rookies
| Roster Cut Deadlines | Date | Maximum Players |
|---|---|---|
| First Cut | August 15 | 85 players |
| Second Cut | August 22 | 80 players |
| Final Cut | August 29 | 53 players |
These protocols prioritize player health monitoring with advanced tracking systems for heat exposure workload management while maintaining essential evaluation opportunities for roster decisions.
Preseason News
As I’ve followed this year’s NFL preseason news closely I’m impressed by the dynamic shifts in team compositions and emerging talents. The combination of rookie standouts veteran acquisitions and strategic roster moves has set the stage for what promises to be an electrifying season ahead.
I’m particularly excited to see how the revamped preseason format will benefit player development and team preparation. From position battles to injury recoveries the storylines we’ve witnessed during this preseason will undoubtedly shape the narrative of the 2023 NFL season.
I’ll continue tracking these developments as teams finalize their rosters and prepare for kickoff. The foundation laid during this preseason suggests we’re in for an unforgettable year of football.