The NFL preseason is in full swing, and while the games may not count towards the regular season standings, they provide a valuable opportunity for teams to evaluate their players and make important roster decisions. This week, several intriguing quarterback storylines are set to unfold, adding an extra layer of excitement to the preseason matchups.
One of the most anticipated games of the week features the Cincinnati Bengals facing off against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Joe Burrow, who is returning from a season-ending wrist injury, is expected to see significant playing time. This will be Burrow’s first game action since the injury, making it a crucial moment for the young quarterback to shake off any rust and regain his form.
Another game to watch is the matchup between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Chicago Bears. This game will mark the debut of Justin Fields as the starting quarterback for the Bears. Fields, a former Ohio State standout, will look to solidify his position in the quarterback battle against veteran Russell Wilson. The game will also feature C.J. Stroud, who is coming off a record-setting rookie season for the Steelers.
In Buffalo, the Bills will take on the Chicago Bears in a game that could see the debut of No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams. Williams is expected to see significant playing time, but his performance may be impacted by the health of Chicago’s offensive line. The game will also feature Bills quarterback Josh Allen, who will be playing his first game since the departure of star receiver Stefon Diggs.
In Washington D.C., the Football Team will face the New York Jets in a game that will see rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels make his first career start. Daniels, the reigning Heisman Trophy winner, will be under the spotlight as he faces a talented Jets defense. The game will also mark the head-coaching debut of Dan Quinn, who has brought renewed optimism to the Washington franchise.
Lastly, the Las Vegas Raiders will take on the Minnesota Vikings in a game that features a quarterback battle between Aidan O’Connell and Gardner Minshew. O’Connell appears to have the edge in the competition, but Minshew’s Pro Bowl pedigree could make things interesting. For the Vikings, veteran Sam Darnold has been named the starter over rookie J.J. McCarthy, adding another layer of intrigue to the game.
Overall, the preseason games this week offer a glimpse into the future of several NFL teams as they prepare for the upcoming regular season. Keep an eye on these quarterback storylines as they unfold, as they could have a significant impact on the success of their respective teams in the coming season.