Live Updates and Highlights from Thursday's Week 2 NFL Preseason Games

Los Angeles Chargers undrafted free agent Jerand Bradley deserved credit for good field awareness and continuing to play hard late in a blowout contest against the San Francisco 49ers. Bradley capitalized on Niners defenders not touching him after falling down while making a catch. Instead, the wide receiver got up and provided his team with a 28-yard score.

The San Francisco 49ers' Adrian Martinez showed what he can do with his legs by running for a touchdown. A fumble on the subsequent kickoff allowed the 26-year-old quarterback to show what he can do as a passer, when he threaded a throw between two defenders for a 17-yard touchdown to wide receiver Jordan Watkins.

Adrian Martinez understands his chances of making the San Francisco 49ers' active roster are slim. With Brock Purdy and Mac Jones already in place, Martinez's best hope is being placed on the practice squad. He needs to earn his place, though.

Martinez is a dynamic running quarterback, which provides a different look. Of course, he's more than capable of breaking the pocket and scampering for nine yards to reach the end zone.

Running back Khalil Herbert has been around the NFL long enough to understand the business side of things. Even so, his experience this August has been a rollercoaster ride.

The 28-year-old veteran signed with the San Francisco 49ers on Aug. 2. The team released him 15 days later. Due to injuries, the Niners re-signed Herbert, and he rejoined the team on Wednesday. The five-year veteran scored a one-yard touchdown during Thursday's third quarter.

Junior Colson missed the entirety of the 2025 campaign due to a shoulder injury. The once-promising third-round draft pick now finds himself as a backup option, when his original trajectory placed him in a future starting role. Promising preseason play, specifically a pick-six, can only help solidify Colson's status in the Los Angeles Chargers' linebacker rotation, as long as he stay healthy.

During Thursday's contest, Maxx Crosby was seen picking his rookie quarterback up after a costly pick-six. During the ESPN broadcast, Crosby discussed what he actually told Fernando Mendoza. The 28-year-old standout specifically mentioned how important it is when responding to adversity—whether it's throwing an interception or dealing with the fallout from a botched trade.

As football coaches love to say, "Special teams are a third of the game."

More importantly, special teams are a way to make a roster when the majority of starting spots are set before preseason begins. Jacob Cowing didn't play in 2025 due to a hamstring injury. The '24 fourth-round draft pick reminded everyone how explosive he can be as a punt returner, which likely secures his spot on San Francisco's roster.

Due to injuries at running back, the San Francisco 49ers should be looking for as many capable bodies as possible. Sincere McCormick definitely fits the bill.

McCormick proved to be the catalyst for the Niners' offense during Thursday's second quarter. The 25-year-old ball-carrier ripped a 37-yard run prior to scoring San Francisco's first touchdown of the evening.

With 1:37 remaining, the Las Vegas Raiders' QB3, Aidan O'Connell led a 94-yard touchdown drive to capture a preseason Week 2 win over the Houston Texans.

During the series, O'Connell connected on 20- and 33-yard passes to Shedrick Jackson and Brandon Johnson, respectively.

Ultimately, O'Connell plunged into the endzone from one yard out to complete the impressive drive and make the flight home much sweeter.

Dare Ogunbowale said, "Wait a second. Don't forget about me."

Rookie Mike Washington Jr. impressed during the first half. Dylan Laube scored the Las Vegas' Raiders first touchdown Thursday against the Houston Texans. Ogunbowale made sure to make some noise as well.

The 32-year-old veteran previously carved out a niche for himself as a special teamer. However, his 20-yard touchdown showed he still has some juice as a runner.

Despite dropping what could have been a deep touchdown pass, the San Francisco 49ers coaching staff must be thrilled with what it has seen from De'Zhaun Stribling. The rookie continues to make plays, whether he's catching passing from starting quarterback Brock Purdy or backup Mac Jones.

The Las Vegas Raiders' running back depth chart is set. Ashton Jeanty is the lead back. Rookie Mike Washington Jr. is the change-of-pace option. Finally, Dylan Laube is the do-everything back, who can contribute in multiple phases, as he did Thursday with a four-year rushing touchdown.

The San Francisco 49ers received some flak after the organization traded up in the second round to select wide receiver De'Zhaun Stribling with the 33rd overall pick in April's draft.

Stribling showed awesome physical tools, strong hands and a level of persistence at the multiple collegiate stops. He's now doing the same for the Niners, which will be hugely beneficial after the team lost Ricky Pearsall for the season.

The Los Angeles Chargers' offensive line will be at the forefront of every conversation this season after the amount of injuries the group suffered last year.

The organization made numerous offseason additions to ensure a quality starting five could take the field, while also improving the group's overall depth.

Unfortunately, veteran center Tyler Biadasz suffered an ACL injury this week. Now, second-round rookie Jake Slaughter, who had been cross-training at guard, will take over snapping duties. Slaughter entered Thursday's game as the Chargers' starting center.

Before the San Francisco 49ers take the field for their second preseason contest, the organization received good news about seven-time Pro Bowl tight end George Kittle.

The 32-year-old veteran suffered a torn Achilles tendon in January. Eight months later, he could be on the field when the Niners open the 2026 campaign against the rival Los Angeles Rams.

Kittle is the game's most well-rounded tight end. His presence in the lineup makes a huge difference. The possibility of him being in the lineup sooner rather than later can provide San Francisco offense with a significant boost, particularly with the team's concerns at wide receiver.

Fernando Mendoza has now started the Las Vegas Raiders' first two preseason contests. Through four quarters of play (so far), this year's top draft pick completed 18 of 31 passes for 183 yards, a touchdown and an interception.

While the Houston Texans and Las Vegas Raiders are at halftime, some trade scuttlebutt appears to be making its way around the NFL.

The Pittsburgh Steelers' Joey Porter Jr. has yet to sign a contract extension despite entering the final year of his rookie deal. Instead, the Steelers inked Jamel Dean, re-signed Asante Samuel Jr. and drafted Daylen Everette.

Furthermore, draft classmate Nick Herbig already signed a four-year, $100 million extension at the start of June.

The Steelers love to retain their own, but the price tag may be too big when it comes to the fourth-year cornerback. If Pittsburgh seriously considers the possibility, the organization can maximize trade value by dealing Porter sooner rather than later.

Everyone within the Las Vegas Raiders organization understands that Fernando Mendoza is the future of the franchise, even if that person wasn't supposed to be on the team this season.

Maxx Crosby experienced a wild offseason where the five-time Pro Bowl defensive end was traded to the Baltimore Ravens, only to have that deal nixed. Crosby returned to the Raiders, with the understanding he can still be a critical part of the squad.

Unsurprisingly, the eighth-year veteran was seen picking up his rookie quarterback after Mendoza threw his first professional interception.

Fernando Mendoza continues to suffer from rookie-on-rookie violence.

First, the quarterback drifted, threw late over the middle and had the pass result in a pick-six by first-year linebacker Wade Woodaz. Two series later, the Texans' second-round rookie, Kayden McDonald, was able to burst up the middle and record his first career sack.

McDonald's size and explosiveness in the middle of the Texans' already stout defense can make the league's top unit even better.

Mistakes happen, particularly for rookies learning on the job.

This year's No. 1 overall pick, Fernando Mendoza, made a costly misread over the middle of the field, which led to another rookie, Wade Woodaz, racing 80 yards the other way for a defensive score.

Ashton Jeanty is the Las Vegas Raiders' RB1 after being last year's sixth overall draft pick. The organization still chose Mike Washington Jr. in this year's fourth round. At 233 pounds, Washington is a big, physical back, who also brings 4.33-second 40-yard-dash speed to the table. So, it's not surprising to see him break off a 33-yard run on his first carry Thursday.

The Houston Texans brought in veteran running back David Montgomery this offseason to provide a more physical backfield presence. Woody Marks played well as a rookie, but he wouldn't be considered a downhill runner. Even so, he made decisive cuts and bounced off three would-be tacklers for a 20-yard score against the Las Vegas Raiders.

The Houston Texans are trying to find the team's best front five after two seasons of poor offensive line play. Interestingly, veterans Wyatt Teller and Braden Smith may not be in the starting lineup at the start of the regular season. Also, first-round rookie Keylan Rutledge, who continues to cross-train at center, is getting a long look at left guard.

Center will be a position to watch Thursday for the Los Angles Chargers. As of now, their projected starter, Tyler Biadasz, is expected to miss a chunk, if not all, of the 2026 campaign. Considering how ravaged the Chargers' O-line was last season, a major injury to a significant free-agent signing is a bad sign.

Prior to the start of Thursday's games, plenty of NFL action could be found on the practice field.

Joint practices have become a substitute for the lack of a fourth preseason contest. Oftentimes, coaching staffs place more emphasis on what happens during the week than the exhibition contests.

This week, the Cleveland Browns hosted the Buffalo Bills. While the Browns continue to search for a quality starting quarterback, Josh Allen showed why Cleveland shouldn't have passed on him during the 2018 NFL draft.