The 2024 NFL preseason has reached its midpoint, and week two is often viewed as a crucial dress rehearsal for teams and players alike. This period has seen numerous joint practices, heating up several positional battles across the league.
Quarterback Battles and Injury Updates
In New England, a pivotal decision looms over the quarterback position. The Patriots are in the midst of a competitive battle between Jacoby Brissett and Drake Maye. With an offense lacking in skill position players and a subpar offensive line, the decision on who will lead the team is critical. “The Patriots will have a decision to make who will quarterback this rebuilding offense that has little skill position players and a subpar offensive line,” noted an insider.
Meanwhile, the Chicago Bears have pinned their hopes on rookie quarterback Caleb Williams. Williams showed promise in his preseason opener, completing 4 of 7 passes for 95 yards and posting an impressive passer rating of 101.8, though the team managed only six points during his two possessions. An analyst highlighted the importance of his development: “Let’s see how long Williams plays against the Bengals, but it will be vital for the Bears to get their rookie quarterback those live game reps.”
Over in New York, the Giants are dealing with an unfortunate setback. Wide receiver Malik Nabers suffered an ankle injury in the preseason opener, putting his early season prospects in doubt. Compounding the Giants' troubles, Jalin Hyatt and Wan'Dale Robinson are in a heated competition for the WR2 spot behind Darius Slayton and Isaiah Hodgins.
Falcons’ Quarterback Situation and Other Injuries
The Atlanta Falcons' quarterback situation seems more settled with Kirk Cousins set as the starter. However, Michael Penix Jr. is striving for opportunities, having finished 9 of 16 for 104 yards in his preseason debut with a passer rating of 76.0. Penix managed to guide the Falcons to 10 points over his five possessions on the field.
Elsewhere, the Kansas City Chiefs are grappling with linebacker and wide receiver issues. Hollywood Brown is dealing with a shoulder injury, while Rashee Rice could potentially face a suspension. In a wide receiver roster laden with talent, rookies and veterans like Kadarius Toney, Nikko Remigio, Skyy Moore, and Justyn Ross are looking to step up. Xavier Worthy, another rookie, might need to play a significant role this season.
Running Back Depth
The Tennessee Titans have revamped their running game by adding Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears to their roster. Spears made an immediate impact by scoring a touchdown in the preseason opener, while Pollard had an impressive 24-yard run. Between them, the Titans’ running backs managed a total of 37 yards from seven carries. This new dynamic duo could be pivotal for the Titans' offensive success in the coming season.
Players to Watch
In various other camps, players continue to make cases for their worth. Laiatu Latu, formerly of UCLA, led the FBS with a stellar 23.9% pressure rate, drawing attention to his defensive prowess. For the Miami Dolphins, the battle for the backup quarterback position is heating up between Skylar Thompson and Mike White. Thompson's 8 of 19 for 95 yards with a touchdown and an interception contrasts sharply with White's disappointing 4 of 14 for 26 yards against lower-tier players.
The Minnesota Vikings, meanwhile, breathed a sigh of relief as Jordan Addison avoided what was initially feared to be a major injury. However, with star wide receiver Justin Jefferson expected to see limited preseason action, opportunities arise for others like Trishton Jackson, who recorded an impressive 100 yards on four catches with a touchdown last week.
San Francisco's Ricky Pearsall continues to battle through hamstring and shoulder issues during training camp, limiting his ability to showcase his skills fully. Similarly, the Denver Broncos' preseason saw Bo Nix outshining Jarrett Stidham. Nix completed 15 of 21 passes for 125 yards with a touchdown, while Stidham managed to finish 4 of 7 for 37 yards but also threw an interception.
As week two progresses, these key battles and developing stories will significantly shape the NFL landscape heading into the regular season. The stakes are high, and every snap in the preseason offers a chance for players to prove their worth and secure their spot.