We’re now approaching Week 2 of the 2026 NFL preseason. After an entertaining first week of action, we now have another slate of games featuring players across the league trying to make it onto a 53-man roster.
Coming out of Week 1, what are the biggest storylines going on around the NFL? Who are the biggest names to watch out for over the next few days? Join us as we break down the five biggest storylines across the league heading into Week 2 of the preseason.
Can Shedeur Sanders Bounce Back?
Shedeur Sanders didn’t exactly light the world on fire in the Cleveland Browns’ first preseason game last Saturday against the Chicago Bears. He completed six of his 11 passes for 79 yards, no touchdowns, and an interception against the Bears’ backup defense. His passer rating for the afternoon was an abysmal 39.6.
Though Deshaun Watson wasn’t flawless in that game, he was certainly a better performer than Sanders, and he did so against some of Chicago’s starting defenders. It feels like Sanders lost some ground in the Browns’ quarterback battle in Week 1, so Week 2 of the NFL preseason will be key for him to make up for it.
Is Anthony Richardson Really Going to be QB3 in Indianapolis?
Just a few years after being the No. 4 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson is in jeopardy of being demoted to the team’s third-string quarterback heading into 2026. He’s been split second-team reps with 2025 sixth-round pick Riley Leonard through training camp.
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Richardson was up and down in the Colts’ first preseason matchup, throwing an interception but also completing 11 of his 14 passes and rushing for 53 yards and a touchdown on six carries. It’s clear that he has an elite arm and elite rushing ability, but the decision making hasn’t improved much, if at all. He’ll need to be more consistent to continue to fend off Leonard for that top backup spot.
Multiple Starting QBs Returning to Play
Week 1 of the NFL preseason didn’t see too many starting quarterbacks take the field. That’s expected to change, as teams like the Denver Broncos, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Los Angeles Chargers are all anticipated to give their respective starters a chance to shake off the cobwebs with some preseason playing time.
Obviously, those starting quarterbacks aren’t anticipated to play much more than a drive or two. The most important thing for each of those teams will be to keep their starters healthy. That said, the preseason will mark the first time each of those quarterbacks have thrown a ball in a live game setting since January. It will be interesting to see how they do.
How Will Fernando Mendoza Build Upon a Strong Debut?
The first glimpse of Fernando Mendoza as the Las Vegas Raiders’ quarterback was a strong one. He finished the game with a solid 76.1 PFN QB Impact Score, completing 10 of his 16 passes for 97 yards, a touchdown, and no interceptions. He showed pinpoint accuracy, precise timing behind his throws, and the ability to make full-field progressions.
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For his second preseason game, Mendoza heads to NRG Stadium on Thursday night to take on the Houston Texans. Though he isn’t projected to start right away for Las Vegas, he’ll clearly be the biggest name to watch, seeing as though he was the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Another strong preseason outing could further improve his stock within the organization.
What About the Rookies Who Could Go Back to College?
The NFL world was shaken up this week with the news that 16 football players, many of whom currently signed to professional contracts, filed a lawsuit to obtain an extra year of collegiate eligibility. Among those players were Browns tight end Dae’Quan Wright, Cardinals safety Wydett Williams, Seahawks running back Anthony Hankerson, and free agent defensive tackle Zxavian Harris.
Perhaps the most notable name as it pertains to the NFL preseason, though, is Buccaneers edge rusher Jack Pyburn. The former LSU standout had 2.0 sacks in his preseason debut last week, which is tied for the most sacks of any player in the league thus far. Will those players play in the preseason this week? Will they leave their NFL teams are return to college?
