Live Updates and Highlights from Friday's Week 1 NFL Preseason Games

Player of the Game: Jahdae Barron, CB, Denver Broncos

The Broncos looked sharp enough offensively against the Falcons. Quarterbacks Jarrett Stidham and Sam Ehlinger went a combined 19-of-29, and the offense tallied 359 total yards. However, it was Denver's defense that truly shined, holding Atlanta to a scoreless first half and only 191 total yards.

The star of the show was second-year cornerback Jahdae Barron, who had two tackles and the highlight of the night, a 98-yard pick-six.

The Texas product made only five starts as a rookie last season and was listed as a second-stringer on Denver's first unofficial depth chart of the preseason. However, he's shown tangible progress during the offseason, as highlighted by star corner Pat Surtain II (h/t Andrew Mason of Denver Sports 104.3):

Barron may still not crack a starting lineup led by Surtain, Riley Moss, and Ja'Quan McMillan by Week 1. However, the Broncos will find it difficult to justify keeping him on the sideline if he continues to perform as he did on Friday.

Commanders backup quarterback Marcus Mariota exited Friday's game with what appeared to be a knee injury, and he did not return. The nature and severity of the injury remain unknown, and head coach Dan Quinn didn't give any updates following the game.

Mariota made eight starts for Washington in 2025 as starter Jayden Daniels was sidelined by multiple injuries.

Player of the Game: Malik Willis, QB, Miami Dolphins

The Commanders came out on top and certainly had their fair share of standout performances—undrafted rookie Robert Henry Jr. was particularly impressive, rushing for 75 yards and a touchdown on only 12 carries. However, it's hard not to be impressed by what Malik Willis accomplished during his limited window of opportunity:

Despite having just six starts on his NFL resume, Willis landed a three-year, $67.5 million deal from the Dolphins in free agency. He got it, almost exclusively, because of the potential he flashed as a backup and spot-starter for the Green Bay Packers over the past two years.

Now, Willis is getting his first opportunity as an undisputed QB1. He has a long way to go to establish himself as Miami's long-term answer. However, he opened the preseason by getting in, getting out, and calling it an early day, the way a franchise quarterback is expected to do.

Player of the Game: Jalon Daniels, QB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Buccaneers decided to hold out Baker Mayfield, and they also decided to sit Jake Browning after he suffered a strained back during joint practices with the Jets. This left Tampa leaning on 2025 undrafted free agent Connor Bazelak and 2026 undrafted rookie Jalon Daniels.

Daniels played the second half and helped deliver 14 of Tampa's 24 points. He helped seal the game with a fourth-quarter touchdown on a QB sneak, but he made several impressive throws during the evening as well.

Daniels finished 10-of-15 for 111 yards, and he also rushed for nine yards and a touchdown. While it's worth noting that his performance came against defenders deep on the Jets' depth chart, it should go a long way toward earning the Kansas product a spot on the Bucs' roster or practice squad.

The Dolphins had to like what they saw from quarterback Malik Willis in his limited action on Friday evening. However, they're probably now hoping that they don't need to replace Willis for any significant length of time during the regular season.

The combined efforts of 2027 seventh-round draft pick Quinn Ewers and early offseason addition Cam Miller left quite a lot to be desired:

Ewers made three starts for Miami as a rookie. Miller was a 2025 sixth-round pick of the Las Vegas Raiders and spent last season on Las Vegas' practice squad before he was signed by the Dolphins in January.

If Ewers and Miller continue performing as they did on Friday, Miami will probably be eyeing other signal-callers during final roster cuts on August 30.

The Commanders took a chance on Rutgers quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis in the seventh round of this year's draft. On Friday, they gave him his first taste of NFL action in the third quarter.

While Kaliakmanis was far from perfect in his preseason debut, he did flash on this 28-yard strike to receiver Jacoby Jones. Kaliakmanis is competing with Sam Hartman for the QB3 job behind Jayden Daniels and Marcus Mariota.

Though quarterback Tua Tagovailoa did get the start for Atlanta, the Falcons kept many of their key players out against Denver—and the early score reflected that.

The Falcons were blanked in the first half as the Broncos built a 24-point lead. However, Atlanta finally got on the board late in the third quarter when undrafted rookie Jack Strand scored on a quarterback sneak.

Strand isn't going to challenge Tagovailoa or Michael Penix Jr. atop the depth chart, though he could potentially push Cooper Rush for the QB3 role. Rush went just 7-of-19 with two interceptions during his outing on Friday.

Preseason highlight reels usually involve big offensive and defensive plays. However, teams look to sharpen every facet of their operation during exhibition play, and football is still a three-phase game.

The Jets' special-teams unit was sharp enough to shine on Friday. Punter Austin McNamera booted the ball 48 yards to just outside of Tampa's end zone, and undrafted rookie receiver Malik McClain made a tremendous play to keep the ball out of the end zone and prevent the touchback.

The Buccaneers found themselves in a 10-0 hole early against the Jets. However, they battled back and finally took the lead two-thirds through the third quarter.

The go-ahead score came courtesy of 2025 undrafted rookie Josh Williams. The LSU product took the handoff from quarterback Jalon Daniels—an undrafted rookie himself—and knifed through traffic for a 12-yard score.

Williams recorded 2,094 scrimmage yards and 18 touchdowns across five seasons with the Tigers. He became Tampa's fourth-string RB as a rookie and logged four carries in three games.

Buccaneers undrafted rookie Ayden Garnes had one of the top plays of Friday night with a spectacular 47-yard pick-six. Here's an excellent look at how his teammates responded.

Preseason games might not matter in the standings, but they certainly matter to the players involved.

The Arizona Cardinals, who played in last week's Hall of Fame Game, had their second exhibition game on Thursday. Unfortunately, they didn't get out of Game 2 unscathed.

On Friday evening, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported that rookie offensive lineman Chase Bisontis suffered a torn ACL during Thursday's game against the Las Vegas Raiders.

Bisontis, who was taken 38th overall out of Texas A&M, was expected to compete for a starting job at guard. He's now set to miss most or all of his rookie campaign.

Undrafted running back Robert Henry Jr. scored Washington's first touchdown of Friday evening with a 22-yard scamper. However, he wasn't the only first-year player to find the end zone in his Commanders debut.

Rookie Kaytron Allen scored late in the second quarter on a goal-line run that showcased the value of his size and play strength. A 5'11", 216-pound back out of Penn State, Allen was added to bring a power running element to Washington's backfield rotation.

Allen rushed for an impressive 1,303 yards and 15 touchdowns in 2025, and based on his early preseason work, he's likely to steal more than a few goal-line carries as a rookie this season.

There isn't much to say about this one. The Broncos boasted one of the NFL's top defenses last season, and they've been rolling against a Falcons team that sat most of its top players.

Still, 98-yard pick-sixes don't happen every day, and this one will be a memorable one for both Denver fans and for 2025 first-round pick Jahdae Barron. The Texas product only made five starts as a rookie, but he appears ready to make an even bigger impact for the Broncos' star-studded defense in Year 2.

The Commanders appeared to find a gem last season in seventh-round draft pick Jacory Croskey-Merritt. They may have found another one in undrafted rookie Robert Henry Jr.

The Texas-San Antonio product made his NFL debut on Friday and quickly made a strong first impression. Late in the second quarter, he quickly hit the edge, raced down the sideline, and found the end zone for a 22-yard score.

Henry is behind Croskey-Merritt, free-agent additions Rachaad White and Jerome Ford, and rookie sixth-round pick Kaytron Allen on the Commanders' depth chart. A few more preseason plays like this one, though, and Henry will earn a job in Washington or elsewhere.

While preseason games don't count in the record books, they mean everything for bubble players who are fighting to make the team. Undrafted cornerback Ayden Garnes certainly helped his chances of sticking with the Buccaneers with this impressive pick of Bailey Zappe and an even more thrilling runback for a touchdown.

Garnes, who spent his last collegiate season at Arizona, recorded eight passes defended and an interception in 2025. If he continues to make plays on the ball during preseason, Tampa may find it impossible to keep him off the active roster.

Bo Nix has entrenched himself as the Broncos' starting quarterback. However, Denver might have one of the NFL's better understudies in Jarrett Stidham.

Stidham, who started in last year's AFC title game, got Friday's preseason start and led three scoring drives in the Broncos' first four possessions. He made several impressive plays, including this heads-up deliver to running back Jaleel McLaughlin under pressure.

McLaughlin flashed his after-the-catch ability while cutting through traffic to find the end zone. While Denver has a fairly crowded running back room, McLaughlin stands a good chance of again carving out a complementary role.

Dolphins running back De'Von Achane has tallied 11 or more touchdowns in each of his three NFL seasons. He appears ready to reward Miami—and fantasy managers—with many more touchdowns in 2026.

Achane kicked off the Dolphins' scoring on Friday with a nifty touchdown run from a yard out.

Last season, the Commanders' defense ranked dead-last in yards allowed while generating only eight interceptions. Washington would undoubtedly love to see more turnovers and more big plays from its defense in 2026.

Safety Quan Martin delivered both on Friday, picking off Dolphins quarterback Quinn Ewers in Miami territory.

The Commanders decided to hold quarterback Jayden Daniels and several other starters out of Friday's preseason opener. Backup Marcus Mariota got the start at quarterback, but Washington has already pivoted to Sam Hartman.

According to Nicki Jhabvala of The Athletic, Mariota pointed to his right knee before leaving the field with trainers:

The nature and severity of Mariota's injury remains unknown, though it appeared to be a non-contact injury sustained during a handoff.

Equipped with three 2027 first-round picks, the Jets may not have their quarterback future on the current roster. However, they have an exciting offensive supporting cast that includes recently extended running back Breece Hall.

Of course, Hall isn't the only talented ball-carrier on New York's roster. 2024 fourth-round pick Braelon Allen made that clear when he ripped off a 31-yard touchdown run that extended the Jets' lead to 10-0.

Allen was limited to four games by an MCL sprain last season. He appears fully healthy and ready to contribute in 2026.

After signing Malik Willis to a three-year, $67.5 million deal early in the offseason, the Miami Dolphins know who their starting quarterback will be in 2026. However, Miami doesn't yet have a clear-cut No. 1 receiver after parting with both Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill.

Rookie third-round pick Caleb Douglas made a good initial bid for the No. 1 role with a spectacular leaping grab on Miami's opening drive. He and Willis connected for 28 yards on 3rd-and-5, putting the Dolphins in Washington territory.

Miami cashed in with a De'Von Achane touchdown run a few plays later and took a 7-0 first-quarter lead.

Shortly before April's draft, the Denver Broncos made a blockbuster trade for wide receiver Jaylen Waddle. While the former Dolphins standout is largely expected to be Bo Nix's new top target, Courtland Sutton remains a legitimate big-play threat.

Sutton made sure to remind fans of what he can do on Friday. On Denver's first drive, he and quarterback Jarrett Stidham hooked up on a 40-yard strike that set up 1st-and-goal at the 1-yard line.

Fullback Adam Prentice punched it in on the following play to give the Broncos an early 7-0 lead over the Falcons.

With Geno Smith out, rookie fourth-rounder Cade Klubnik got the start for the Jets. The Clemson product opened New York's first drive with a spectacular strike to wideout Garrett Wilson that picked up 21 yards on 3rd-and-8.

Klubnik got a big assist from Wilson, who climbed the ladder to secure the ball over the defense, but it was still an impressive throw that showcased solid ball placement and good velocity.

The Jets' first drive eventually stalled, but Cade York's 27-yard field goal gave New York an early 3-0 lead.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles announced on Tuesday that several starters, including quarterback Baker Mayfield, would be held out of Friday's preseason opener.

However, being inactive didn't prevent Mayfield from engaging with fans pregame, including one seen rocking a Mayfield Lake Travis High School jersey.

Mayfield had been hoping to receive a new contract from the Buccaneers this offseason. However, a new deal didn't materialize, and the quarterback publicly stated that he felt "disrespected a little bit" by Tampa's offer.

If Mayfield holds any ill feelings toward the Buccaneers organization entering the season, it's clear that they aren't spilling over to the Bucs' faithful.

The New York Jets will open their preseason against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Friday night, but projected starting quarterback Geno Smith won't be in the lineup. According to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo, the Jets will keep the 35-year-old out of the lineup due to foot soreness.

Smith was acquired from the Las Vegas Raiders in an offseason trade and is expected to be New York's Week 1 starter. Instead of getting their first look at Smith, though, fans should get an extended look at rookie fourth-rounder Cade Klubnik.

While Klubnik is listed with the second team on the Jets' initial depth chart, the Jets have made it clear that the rookie won't be handed the backup job.

"You're a rookie quarterback, you're going to take your lumps, but I'm happy with the whole quarterback room," offensive coordinator Frank Reich said, per ESPN's Rich Cimini. "All those guys that are kind of competing for the No. 2 spot are doing a good job."

Bailey Zappe and Brady Cook are the other members of New York's quarterback room.

Fans hoping to see the return of a healthy Jayden Daniels in 2026 will have to wait. The Washington Commanders announced late Friday afternoon that the 2024 Offensive Rookie of the Year won't play against the Miami Dolphins.

Other projected starters, including Terry McLaurin, Laremy Tunsil, Nick Allegretti, Chigoziem Okonkwo, Stefon Diggs, K'Lavon Chaisson, and Odafe Oweh, are expected to sit as well.

Daniels and the Commanders are both looking to bounce-back from a disappointing and injury-hampered 2025 campaign. The previous season, Washington advanced to the NFC title game, but last year, Daniels, McLaurin, and several other significant contributors missed time due to injury.

Theoretically, keeping starters out of their first exhibition game will help the Commanders ensure that their best players make it to Week 1 at or near 100 percent.

Ahead of Friday's preseason opener against the Denver Broncos, the Atlanta Falcons listed 2025 first-round pick James Pearce Jr. as a third-stringer on their initial depth chart.

It seemed to be an indication that the Falcons knew a suspension was looming. Pearce has faced potential league discipline since his February arrest that followed a domestic dispute with his ex-girlfriend and WNBA player, Rickea Jackson.

On Friday, Atlanta announced that the NFL has suspended Pearce for eight games for violation of the league's personal conduct policy.

Pearce will be eligible to participate in preseason games and other team-related activities until August 30. He'll be eligible to return for Atlanta's Week 9 game against the Cincinnati Bengals. His eight-game absence could be a significant issue for the Falcons' defense, which has also lost edge-rusher Jalon Walker to a season-ending ACL tear.