2026 NFL Preseason Week 2 Winners and Losers

In Week 2 of the NFL preseason, top rotational players decided their fate on depth charts, for better or worse.

Most teams play fringe roster players in the final exhibition contest, so in the previous slate of games, there was a lot at stake in terms of roster pecking order. 

Let's take a look at the biggest winners and losers from Week 2 of the preseason. 

Many of whom have either cemented their position on the depth chart with a strong showing or jeopardized their standing following a poor performance.

Winner: Jacob Cowing, WR, San Francisco 49ers

AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill

San Francisco 49ers' WR Jacob Cowing

Fringe roster players can solidify their spot on the 53-man roster with standout special teams plays. In competition for one of the last wide receiver positions on the San Francisco 49ers depth chart, Jacob Cowing made a strong case to be the team's primary punt returner. 

Cowing missed the entire 2025 season because of a hamstring injury. Though he's a fourth-round pick from the 2024 draft, he needed to bounce back in his third year within the 49ers' revamped receiver room.

If Cowing secures a prominent role on special teams, he could bump free-agent acquisition Christian Kirk off the depth chart. 

At training camp, Kirk has missed significant time because of a calf strain. He has minimal experience on special teams, which may work against him when San Francisco pares down its roster. 

Head coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters that Cowing hasn't earned the punt-returner position, but he's "making it easier" on a forthcoming decision.

Loser: Las Vegas Raiders WR Corps

AP Photo/Maria Lysaker

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Malik Benson

The Las Vegas Raiders pulled off a 22-20 comeback victory over the Houston Texans, but head coach Klint Kubiak wasn't satisfied with his wide receiver group. He saw regression in the unit.

"We have to get a lot better very fast," Kubiak said about the receivers via Raiders Wire Levi Damien. "We took a step backwards. Doesn't mean we can't go forward, but right now we are trying to find someone that is accountable and can help us on Sunday. Still looking." 

Rookie sixth-rounder Malik Benson generated buzz at camp and caught two passes for 26 yards in the Raiders' preseason opener. Last Thursday, he had a bad drop, and Texans cornerback Tremon Smith knocked the ball out of his hands on another incompletion.

Tre Tucker didn't suit up. Jack Bech saw limited action. Jalen Nailor only caught one of his three targets. 

The Raiders need quality depth at receiver to complement star tight end Brock Bowers. Thus far, Kubiak hasn't seen enough from that group. If that doesn't change by the end of next week, the Raiders may look to sign or trade for a receiver after the roster cuts deadline.

Winner: John Metchie III, WR, Carolina Panthers

AP Photo/Scott Kinser

Carolina Panthers wide receiver John Metchie III

John Metchie III gained momentum going into the Carolina Panthers' Week 2 preseason game. 

According to Darin Gantt and Kassidy Hill of the team's official website, the Panthers mixed Metchie into the first-team offense, and he made plays during joint practices with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

In Friday's exhibition outing, Metchie led the team with six receptions for 77 receiving yards. Coming into the contest, he had a good chance of making the roster with rookie third-rounder Chris Brazzell II out for the season.

Third-year wideout Xavier Legette didn't suit up for the game because of an ankle injury.

"He got his ankle twisted up," Canales said via Anthony Rizzuti of Panthers Wire. "He has some soreness in his foot. So, we evaluated him. Right now, we're just gonna get him back going little by little. And hopefully, we'll see him at the end of this week." 

If Legette's injury lingers, Metchie could carve out a role in three-receiver sets alongside 2025 Offensive Rookie of the Year Tetairoa McMillan and Jalen Coker. Because of the Panthers' injuries at the position, he's almost certain to make the roster after signing a one-year, $1.9 million deal in March. 

Loser: Mekhi Blackmon, CB, Indianapolis Colts

AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack

Indianapolis Colts cornerback Mekhi Blackmon (29)

In two exhibition outings, Mekhi Blackmon has drawn four penalties. This week, the Atlanta Falcons declined one of his infractions and accepted the other—a pass interference on fourth down deep inside the Indianapolis Colts' red zone. 

Last August, Indianapolis acquired Blackmon from the Minnesota Vikings. He started 11 of 17 games in the 2025 regular season, logging seven pass breakups and two interceptions while allowing an 86.9 passer rating in coverage.

Yet Blackmon's recent gaffes may knock him out of the rotation on the boundary if the Colts need a fill-in for cornerback Charvarius Ward, who's out indefinitely because of a back injury. 

While you would assume the Colts would plug Blackmon back into a lead position opposite Sauce Gardner, his preseason struggles with ill-timed penalties should give the team pause on that idea.

Winner: New York Jets Defense

AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar

New York Jets safety Andre Cisco (8)

In 2025, the New York Jets defense didn't record an interception, a historic low for any NFL franchise.

Safety Andre Cisco snapped the interception drought with a takeaway in the second quarter of last Friday's game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. On the Jets' following defensive drive, cornerback Samuel Womack III also picked off a pass from Will Howard.

You can say the ball bounced in the Jets' favor, or they simply took advantage of an inexperienced second-year quarterback who was a sixth-round pick. Either way, the defensive unit needed a confidence-builder in the takeaways department heading into the regular season.

Cisco and Womack were on the roster that didn't record an interception last year, though the Jets revamped their secondary with the addition of Minkah Fitzpatrick, Dane Belton, Nahshon Wright, rookie second-rounder D'Angelo Ponds and rookie seventh-rounder VJ Payne this offseason.

This year, defensive-minded head coach Aaron Glenn should have a more productive unit in terms of forced turnovers.

Loser: Deshaun Watson, QB, Cleveland Browns

AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson

While on 92.3 The Fan, Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken provided a timeline for when he'll name his starting signal-caller.

"I do not anticipate the QB decision going past early of next week," he said. 

In the second half of Saturday's game against the Buffalo Bills, Deshaun Watson significantly hurt his case for the lead position. He went 5-of-12 passing for 36 yards and an interception and ran for 13 yards.

Shedeur Sanders had a better showing, completing nine of 11 passes for 74 yards, a touchdown and an interception. On his turnover, he threw a pass slightly behind tight end Jermaine Terry, and the ball bounced off him and into safety Damar Hamlin's hands.

Still, Sanders clearly outplayed Watson, which may have a lasting impression on Monken's forthcoming call on QB1. 

So far in the preseason, Sanders has thrown two interceptions, but he's also recorded the Browns' lone touchdown pass in this preseason battle. 

Winner: Ty Robinson, DT, Philadelphia Eagles

AP Photo/Terrance Williams

Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Ty Robinson

Ty Robinson has been one of the Philadelphia Eagles' top defensive standouts in the preseason. In two outings, he's recorded six tackles (all solo) and three sacks. 

The Eagles know how to draft and develop interior defensive linemen. 

Along with former first-rounders Jordan Davis and Jalen Carter, 2023 seventh-rounder Moro Ojomo has shown signs of promise, logging six sacks last season. A fourth-rounder from last year's draft. Robinson could help solidify one of the league's best defensive fronts.

In 2025, Robinson played only 15 percent of the defensive snaps across 11 outings. Barring injuries, he'll remain a backup, but the 25-year-old could find a way onto the field on pass-rushing downs.

Loser: Tyrone Tracy Jr., RB, New York Giants

AP Photo/Rick Osentoski

New York Giants running back Tyrone Tracy Jr.

Over the last two weeks, Tyrone Tracy Jr.'s stock has plummeted. In the New York Giants' preseason opener, he missed a block that allowed Minnesota Vikings safety Jay Ward to crush quarterback Jaxson Dart on a sack.

In this week's game against the Miami Dolphins, Tracy lost a fumble before halftime. He finished with six carries for 26 yards. Devin Singletary outperformed him, logging eight carries for 40 yards and a touchdown.

While this may seem like an overreaction, it wouldn't be a surprise to see the Giants move on from Tracy.

Big Blue signed Narris Harris, a 6'1", 232-pound ball-carrier who can split early-down touches with Cam Skattebo. Singletary may have played his way into the No. 3 spot. Tracy is the most dynamic pass-catcher of the group, but if the Giants believe he's a liability in pass protection, they may cut or trade him.

Winner: Joe Milton III, QB, Dallas Cowboys

AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Joe Milton III

The Dallas Cowboys ran the ball effectively against the Arizona Cardinals, thanks in large part to running back Jaydon Blue's 15 carries for 75 yards. He likely cemented his role as the No. 2 running back.

That said, in a battle with Sam Howell for the primary backup quarterback job, Joe Milton III had a statement performance. He threw for 179 yards and two touchdowns and rushed for a score.

Milton's arm strength has drawn oohs and aahs when he takes the field, but he was accurate last Saturday night, completing nine of 13 passes. 

By the way, Howell threw an interception in the red zone midway through the fourth quarter. Dallas signed him to a one-year, $2.5 million deal in March. Heading into the final week of the preseason, he's behind Milton in the pecking order.

Loser: Kansas City Chiefs Right Tackles

AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack

Kansas City Chiefs offensive tackle Jaylon Moore (77)

Last offseason, the Kansas City Chiefs signed Jaylon Moore to a two-year, $30 million deal. Based on that contract, he's the probable full-time starter at right tackle after lining up on both sides of the line in the previous season.

However, the Chiefs should continue to look for upgrades at right tackle. Moore didn't look impressive in Week 2 of the preseason against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. 

On X, Sports Illustrated's Matt Verderame best described the fifth-year pro's pass-blocking performance.

"Jaylon Moore is barely touching the edge rushers. He looks like he's in cement." 

Khalil Benson didn't look any better against the Buccaneers' pass rush. Bleacher Report scout Daniel Harms provided his insight on the undrafted rookie's Saturday outing.

"Much rougher outing for Khalil Benson tonight," Harms posted. "Definitely looks better as a run blocker but the pass pro is not great," Harms wrote in a follow-up post.

With quarterback Patrick Mahomes in line to return from an ACL tear, the Chiefs must be careful about who they field to protect him. If Moore can't handle edge-rushers in the preseason, he could have a rough campaign in a lead role.

Maurice Moton covers the NFL for Bleacher Report. You can follow him on Twitter @MoeMoton.