Week 2 of the 2025 NFL preseason has come to a close, marking one more week down before the start of the season on September 4.
Cut day — August 26 — is nearly a week away, with teams in constant evaluation mode throughout training camp and joint practices. However, the most significant opportunity to stand out from the pack is on game day, where the extra adrenaline and pressure either make or break players.
Chicago Bears
RB Ian Wheeler
An undrafted rookie out of Howard last preseason, Ian Wheeler suffered a torn ACL and spent the entire season sidelined. But in 2025, he looks to be back to form — and more. In the Chicago Bears’ 38-0 drubbing of the Buffalo Bills, Wheeler carried the ball 19 times and ran for 80 yards and two touchdowns.
It was an inspiring performance for Wheeler, who should now be a lock to make Chicago’s final roster and could figure into their backfield rotation.
Cincinnati Bengals
WR Mitchell Tinsley
The star in the Cincinnati Bengals’ Monday night victory over the Washington Commanders was, without a doubt, Mitchell Tinsley. The third-year wide receiver finished with five receptions for 73 yards with a pair of acrobatic touchdown catches.
MITCHELL TINSLEY HAVE A DAY!!!! #CINvsWAS on @espn pic.twitter.com/Q7g5xFOKlf
— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) August 19, 2025
Previously seen as a fringe roster player for the Bengals, Tinsley played his way onto Cincinnati’s 53-man roster with his dominant performance in front of a national audience on Monday night.
Buffalo Bills
P Brad Robbins
In a 38-0 beatdown at the hands of the Bears, there will be some trouble finding a standout player. But punters can excel regardless of the score, and that’s exactly what Brad Robbins did for the Bills on Sunday night.
He totaled 293 yards on six punts, averaging 48.8 yards per punt. He also placed two punts inside the 20-yard line, pinning the Bears’ offense far back into their territory. Robbins, expected to be the Bills’ punter this season, was impressed despite Buffalo’s dreadful overall performance.
Denver Broncos
WR Troy Franklin
After impressing throughout his sophomore training camp, Troy Franklin showed it all on the field against the Arizona Cardinals. Franklin feasted on the Cardinals’ secondary, catching four passes for 67 yards and a pair of touchdowns.
His second touchdown catch was awe-inspiring, as he battled through his defender on a fade to the end zone, eventually coming away with a heavily contested touchdown grab. The Broncos need wide receivers to step up alongside Courtland Sutton; Franklin is quickly showing he might be that guy.
Cleveland Browns
LB Easton Mascarenas-Arnold
Undrafted out of USC largely because of his size (5’11”, 227 pounds) at the linebacker position, Easton Mascarenas-Arnold showed out against the Philadelphia Eagles. With the Trojans and Oregon State Beavers at the collegiate level, Mascarenas-Arnold was a sideline-to-sideline tackler and one of the rangiest ‘backers in the country.
Fighting for a roster spot in Cleveland, he displayed those exact skills in registering a team-high seven tackles, including a tackle for loss. The linebacking position is still a question mark with Jerome Baker and Mohamoud Diabate not quite sealing the deal for starting and backup roles, giving the former USC standout a shot at playing time if he makes the final roster.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
QB Teddy Bridgewater
While Teddy Bridgewater only threw 11 passes, he completed six of them against the Pittsburgh Steelers, with two going for touchdowns. His 85 passing yards were a solid mark for just three drives to begin the game.
Competing for the backup quarterback job with Kyle Trask, who completed just three of 10 passes for 19 yards against the Steelers, Bridgewater seemed to have cemented his place behind starter Baker Mayfield. During his career, Bridgewater has been a reliable backup and proved he could be that again in 2025.
Arizona Cardinals
P Blake Gillikin
The Cardinals’ offense was abysmal on Sunday night, totaling just 135 yards. The defense wasn’t particularly stout either, giving up 27 points and allowing the Broncos’ quarterbacks to combine for nearly 400 passing yards.
But punter Blake Gillikin had a day, taking on a large workload of nine punts. He amassed 478 punting yards for an average of 53.1 per boot with a long of 70. He also pinned Denver inside the 20-yard line twice. If nothing else, the Cardinals should feel good about Gillikin heading into the regular season.
Los Angeles Chargers
WR Tre Harris
Though the Los Angeles Chargers’ quarterbacks struggled in their game against the Los Angeles Rams, completing under 50% of their passes, wide receiver Tre Harris was one of the team’s top performers. He caught six passes for 85 yards, leading the team in both categories.
Tre Harris in preseason week 2:
âš¡ 85.4 PFF Grade
âš¡ 5 Receptions for first down
âš¡ 2 Contested Targets / 2 Contested Catches
⚡ 85 Yards pic.twitter.com/cNnyidEcDr— PFF Fantasy (@PFF_Fantasy) August 18, 2025
His effort included a beautiful over-the-shoulder grab just before the end zone on a pass from Trey Lance. Harris, a second-round pick in 2025, has a chance to be a fundamental factor in the passing game for the Chargers, who lack consistent receiving options.
Kansas City Chiefs
WR/KR Skyy Moore
For fringe roster guys, there’s often no better way to make an impact than on special teams. That’s exactly what Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver turned punt returner did on Friday night, as he returned a punt 88 yards for a score. It proved to be one of just two Chiefs touchdowns for the game.
Moore has made little impact in the passing game for Kansas City in his three-year career after being a second-round selection in 2022; now in question of making the roster, he helped his odds greatly with his long punt return up the sideline, in which he showcased his game-breaking speed.
Indianapolis Colts
K Spencer Shrader
Though the Indianapolis Colts could muster up just a single touchdown in their 23-19 loss to the Green Bay Packers, that allowed them to put kicker Spencer Shrader in the spotlight. He shone, nailing all four attempts with the longest coming from 56 yards out.
A second-year player who never secured a consistent starting job last season, the Colts will need Shrader to be on his game all season long as they don’t project to have an explosive offense. This four-field goal game may not be his last this season.
Washington Commanders
RB Chris Rodriguez Jr.
With last season’s starting running back Brian Robinson Jr. sitting out with his name in trade talks, reserve Chris Rodriguez Jr. was given the start and made the most of it, taking six carries for 62 yards. That included him ripping off a 40-yard rush as well, displaying his vision and speed.
With uncertainty surrounding Robinson and with third-down back Austin Ekeler, 30, presumably not able to take on a full load of carries, the opportunity is there for Rodriguez to take on more carries and exposure in 2025.
Dallas Cowboys
CB Andrew Booth
Not only did Dallas Cowboys cornerback Andrew Booth come away with a 40-yard pick-six, but he also led the team in total tackles with eight — seven of which were the solo variety.
Andrew Booth Jr. with a pick-6.
That’s three former Clemson defenders (Mukuba, Henry, Booth) with pick-6s in NFL preseason action today.
Crazy.pic.twitter.com/60s15pJar5
— Jon Blau (@Jon_Blau) August 17, 2025
The fourth-year Booth, a second-round pick by the Minnesota Vikings in 2022, is attempting to secure a spot with the Cowboys. His big game against the Baltimore Ravens, which also included two passes defensed, will greatly help his chances.
Miami Dolphins
QB Quinn Ewers
After completing just five of 18 passes in the Miami Dolphins’ first preseason game, Quinn Ewers looked much calmer on Saturday against the Detroit Lions. Playing the entire second half, Ewers connected on 11 of his 17 passes for 116 yards and a pair of scores to wide receiver Theo Wease Jr.
Both came in the red zone, with Ewers placing the ball perfectly into Wease’s hands. While Zach Wilson is the presumed backup after signing with Miami this offseason, if Ewers continues to show improvement, he may take that spot by the end of the season.
Philadelphia Eagles
S Andrew Makuba
A second-rounder out of Texas, the Eagles already knew that Andrew Makuba was a playmaker from his safety position as he totaled five interceptions during his senior season. On Saturday against the Browns, he brought that same energy to the pro level in notching a 75-yard pick-six off a Dillon Gabriel pass and recovering a fumble.
With fellow safety Sydney Brown stepping into a starting role for the first time in his career, having Makuba as a backup, learning the ropes would be ideal. But if Saturday’s performance was any indication of 2025, the former Longhorn may see impact play time earlier than you’d think.
Atlanta Falcons
CB/KR Natrone Brooks
Natrone Brooks played sparingly for the Atlanta Falcons a season ago, appearing in nine games and registering five total tackles and just one pass defensed. But in their preseason game against the Tennessee Titans, Brooks made a case for more playing time in his sophomore season.
In the second quarter, Brooks jumped in front of a Brandon Allen pass, intercepting it and returning it 33 yards before being taken down. He also added some value on kickoff return, averaging 26.0 yards on two returns — another important avenue towards making the team.
San Francisco 49ers
WR Robbie Chosen
It’s been several years since Robbie Chosen (formerly Robby Anderson) made a true impact in the league, but this season with the San Francisco 49ers may reverse that trend. Against the Las Vegas Raiders, Chosen caught five passes for 92 yards. Those were game-highs in both categories.
San Francisco is dealing with several injuries at the wide receiver position, with Brandon Aiyuk, Jauan Jennings, Jacob Cowing, and Jordan Watkins on the injury report. Those absences are giving Chosen a real opportunity to showcase his skills in hopes of making the final roster and having an impact early in the season.
New York Giants
QB Jaxson Dart
For a second straight week, first-round quarterback Jaxson Dart impressed for the New York Giants. Competing for time with two other accomplished passers in Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston, Dart looked the best in completing 14 of 16 attempts for a team-high 137 yards and the team’s only passing touchdown. He also plunged in for a rushing touchdown.
Though Wilson is the starter, one thing is for sure: Dart has earned the right to get some burn later this season, especially if the Giants are out of the playoff hunt. They used a first-round selection on him and owe it to themselves to find out if Dart has a chance to be their franchise guy.
Jacksonville Jaguars
LB Jack Kiser
The Jacksonville Jaguars should be pleased with Jack Kiser’s effort in their 17-17 tie with the New Orleans Saints. The former Notre Dame linebacker, selected in the fourth round in 2025, amassed six total tackles, three of which were solo, and one quarterback hit.
When Kiser entered the league, the question was whether his athleticism would translate. So far, his physicality has made up for the discrepancy, as he’s not afraid to throw himself into the mix. As a depth piece this year for the Jaguars, Kiser is in a good spot and has a chance to develop into a solid player in Jacksonville.
New York Jets
WR Quentin Skinner
There weren’t many highs in the Jets’ disappointing 31-12 loss to the Giants, but wide receiver Quentin Skinner was among them. Undrafted out of Kansas, Skinner led the team in catches (four), receiving yards (48), and scored the team’s only touchdown on a terrific juggling grab in the corner of the end zone.
The 6’5″, 195-pounder is in the mix to make the roster thanks to New York’s lack of veteran talent alongside Garrett Wilson. If Skinner can have a big Week 3, he’d cement his spot on the Jets’ 53-man roster come cut day.
Detroit Lions
QB Kyle Allen
Kyle Allen excelled in the race to be the Lions’ backup quarterback this season for the second consecutive week. He followed up an effort in which he completed seven of eight passes for 120 yards and two scores last week by converting on 14 of 17 attempts for 124 yards and another two touchdowns this week against the Dolphins.
Allen demonstrated his pinpoint passing ability in executing the offense to near perfection. Rookie wide receiver Jackson Meeks was the receiving end for one of Allen’s touchdowns and led the team with seven catches for 93 yards — well deserving of a shoutout.
Green Bay Packers
LB Isaiah Simmons
2025 might be the final straw for Isaiah Simmons’ career, as the No. 8 pick in 2020 flamed out with the Arizona Cardinals in three seasons before two disappointing campaigns with the New York Giants. Now fighting for a roster spot on the Packers, Simmons made the most of his opportunity on Saturday.
He led Green Bay with nine total tackles and five solo tackles from his linebacker position, showing his ranginess and athleticism. The question has always been how best to deploy the 6’4″, 238-pound physical specimen. The Packers could certainly use him if he can reach his full potential.
Carolina Panthers
S Demani Richardson
Demani Richardson surprised many last season, providing solid safety play for the Carolina Panthers after going undrafted out of Texas A&M. Entering his sophomore season, he’s looking to have an even more prominent role in 2025.
Against the Texans, Richardson came up from his safety position to lead the team with seven total tackles, six of which were solo. At 6’1″, 215 pounds, Richardson has a nice combination of size and physicality. He’s playing like his job security is on the line, but he should be a consistent force in the Panthers’ secondary this season.
New England Patriots
WR Efton Chism III
The Efton Chism III show continues. Last week, we highlighted the New England Patriots’ undrafted wide receiver after he paced the team in receptions (six), yards (50), and touchdowns (one). In Week 2 against the Minnesota Vikings, he did it again — in even more impressive fashion.
He once again led the Patriots with six catches for 71 yards and another score, but this time he showed his physicality after the catch. On multiple grabs, he outmuscled would-be tacklers on his way to first downs and his touchdown. Chism is quickly becoming a known player league-wide and has almost certainly earned a roster spot in New England.
Las Vegas Raiders
RB Ashton Jeanty
After a brief stint in the medical tent following a rough hit on the Raiders’ first drive of the game, Ashton Jeanty displayed his toughness and physical running style on the second possession.
Ashton Jeanty: pic.twitter.com/rMsV08bp3J
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 16, 2025
On an outside zone rush to the right, Jeanty burst through the hole and delivered a punishing truck with a mean stiff arm on a 49ers defender for a 13-yard gain. The 2024 Heisman finalist finished off the drive with his first touchdown in the pros on a powerful 1-yard rush goal-line push. His 33 rushing yards in limited time led the Raiders.
Los Angeles Rams
QB Stetson Bennett IV
The Rams decided to give Stetson Bennett IV an entire game’s worth of reps on Saturday, and he didn’t disappoint. His final stat line of 28/40, 324 yards, three touchdowns, and an interception doesn’t tell the entire story.
Down in the fourth quarter and needing a touchdown drive to take the lead, Bennett converted on a fourth and ten with a 40-yard completion down the middle of the field. He then completed an eight-yard pass to the end zone for the game-winning touchdown. The game ball must have gone to Bennett, who showed his guts in the Rams’ victory.
Baltimore Ravens
K Tyler Loop
Although Tyler Loop missed a 50-yard field goal in Baltimore’s 31-13 victory over the Cowboys, he also made five others, including converting on two extra points. Drafted to replace former kicker Justin Tucker, Loop, in head coach John Harbaugh’s eyes, earned the job on Saturday.
“He will be the kicker,” Harbaugh said, via the team’s website. “He has earned it, and he’ll get another chance to get back out there next week and kick some more and just keep improving. But, I just appreciate the fact that he wants to make them all, but he had a good night.”
New Orleans Saints
WR Mason Tipton
With the Saints’ quarterback battle raging between Spencer Rattler and Tyler Shough, undrafted second-year wide receiver Mason Tipton has emerged as a favorite target and someone who could make a significant impact in 2025.
In their tie against the Jaguars, Tipton reached the century mark in catching six passes for 100 yards — tops in both categories. The former Yale standout finished with 99 yards as a rookie, but he could be in for a much bigger sophomore campaign.
Seattle Seahawks
LB Seth Coleman
At this point, Seth Coleman is probably a long shot to make the Seahawks’ final roster. Undrafted out of Illinois, he’s pushing for time at an intense pass-rushing unit. But against the Chiefs, Coleman didn’t do everything he could to show he was deserving of another look.
He led the team with four tackles and registered 1.5 sacks and a tackle for loss. He also notched two quarterback hits, getting into the backfield and wreaking havoc on multiple plays.
Pittsburgh Steelers
RB Kaleb Johnson
The Steelers’ third-round pick in 2025, Kaleb Johnson, managed just 20 yards on eight carries in the preseason opener. But in their second game against the Buccaneers, Johnson fared better in taking 11 carries for 50 yards with a long of 14 yards. He displayed a burst that he hadn’t in Week 1.
That burst was also demonstrated on kickoff return, where Pittsburgh is experimenting with him there. He averaged 27.0 yards on three returns. The former Iowa running back figures to have a significant role in a running back by committee approach alongside Jaylen Warren in the backfield.
Houston Texans
RB Woody Marks
The Texans’ running back position is up for grabs with Joe Mixon currently sidelined due to injury. Houston signed Nick Chubb to compete for the spot in Mixon’s absence, but a rookie has arguably outshone the Pro Bowl veteran: USC’s Woody Marks, who was a fourth-round pick in 2025.
Against the Carolina Panthers, Marks showed his burst in notching 40 yards on seven carries. The 5’10”, 210-pounder was a powerful yet explosive runner for the Trojans a season ago; if he continues to perform well with the Texans, he could have a significant role even once Mixon returns.
Tennessee Titans
TE Gunnar Helm
Tight ends aren’t always well accounted for in preseason, as less-experienced quarterbacks often look to the outside. But that wasn’t the case against the Falcons for Tennessee’s Gunnar Helm. He led the team in catches (four), receiving yards (48), and topped it off with a receiving touchdown.
His touchdown catch was awe-inspiring, as it was on a seam route with several Atlanta defenders draped all over him. His strong hands and commitment to securing the catch allowed him to rip the ball away and score his first pro touchdown.
Minnesota Vikings
QB Max Brosmer
Max Brosmer’s final stat line of 15 completions on 27 attempts, 156 yards, and an interception won’t blow anyone away, but the manner in which he ran the Minnesota Vikings offense stood out. He led a late drive down the field before his pass was intercepted in the end zone on the game’s final play.
Despite that, head coach Kevin O’Connell liked what he saw from his rookie passer: “What I love about Max is, there were some breakdowns up front, and maybe he couldn’t progress and read through concepts. But he plays with swift eyes and rarely puts the ball in harm’s way when doing it, which is a unique trait.”
