NFL Preseason Highlights: Key Performances and Scores from Today’s Games

The NFL preseason’s off to a wild start. The first week brought a mix of jaw-dropping plays, some tough injuries, and a handful of rookies who already look like they belong. From Anthony Richardson’s bad luck to LaJohntay Wester’s electrifying debut, there’s plenty to talk about—and it’s just the beginning.

Let’s dig into the highlights and see what’s got fans buzzing after opening week.

Key Highlights from the Opening Week

The preseason opened with a bang. A few games really stood out, and some individual performances already have folks talking.

Anthony Richardson’s Injury

Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson dislocated his pinky finger on his throwing hand early in the first quarter. Baltimore’s David Ojabo delivered a blind-side sack, and that’s when it happened. Head coach Shane Steichen called Richardson “day-to-day,” and honestly, Colts fans are holding their breath.

Baltimore vs. Indianapolis: LaJohntay Wester Shines

The Ravens took down the Colts 24-16, but the real story was LaJohntay Wester. His 87-yard punt return touchdown stole the show. Baltimore’s depth and special teams looked sharp, and Wester’s making a name for himself fast.

Philadelphia vs. Cincinnati: A Quarterback Duel

The Eagles squeaked past the Bengals 34-27 in a game packed with quarterback fireworks. Joe Burrow and Tanner McKee each tossed two touchdowns, showing off their arms and giving fans plenty to look forward to. The quarterback talent on both sides is deep—maybe deeper than people realize.

Las Vegas vs. Seattle: A Dramatic Tie

The Raiders and Seahawks battled to a 23-23 tie, and it was anything but boring. Daniel Carlson nailed a 51-yard field goal to finish a wild Raiders comeback. The game had its share of standout moments, too:

• Drew Lock: Seattle’s backup went 12-for-22 for 147 yards, one touchdown, and an interception. Not perfect, but he kept things interesting.
• Jalen Milroe: The rookie flashed some athleticism, going 6-of-10 for 61 yards and running for 38 more on just three carries.
• Aidan O’Connell: He stepped in for Geno Smith and finished 18-for-30, racking up 205 yards, a touchdown, and two picks.
• George Holani: Holani made an early impact with seven carries for 61 yards and a touchdown—all in the first quarter.

Rookie Performances to Watch

Preseason’s really where rookies can make their mark. A few first-year players wasted no time getting noticed.

Cam Miller: A Promising Start

Cam Miller, the rookie QB, looked surprisingly poised in his debut. He capped his first drive with a 41-yard touchdown pass to Shedrick Jackson. Miller also led the Raiders to a game-tying field goal, and nearly set up a game-winner, but the kick got blocked. He’s got people watching, that’s for sure.

Tory Horton: Making a Statement

Tory Horton, a fifth-rounder from Colorado State, had a strong first showing for the Seahawks. Three catches, 31 yards, and a touchdown—that’s how you start a career. Seattle might have found a real contributor in Horton.

Challenges and Opportunities Ahead

The first week brought plenty of excitement, but it also exposed some issues teams need to fix.

Injuries and Depth Concerns

Richardson’s injury puts the Colts in a tough spot. They’ll need their backup quarterbacks ready—no way around it. Other teams are dealing with injuries too, and depth is going to matter a lot this preseason.

Defensive Struggles

The Raiders’ defense looked shaky, especially against Seattle. If they want to compete, they’ll have to tighten things up quickly. Defense wins games, right?

Special Teams Impact

LaJohntay Wester’s punt return touchdown really hammered home how important special teams can be. Teams that excel here could steal a few games this year. I’m curious to see who steps up week after week.

Looking Ahead: What to Expect in Week 2

Week 2’s on the horizon, and there’s no shortage of storylines. More battles, more surprises—who knows what’s coming?

Quarterback Battles

The fight for starting quarterback jobs is heating up. Guys like Drew Lock, Jalen Milroe, and Aidan O’Connell will get more chances to show what they’ve got. Somebody’s bound to separate from the pack soon.

Rookie Development

Cam Miller and Tory Horton started strong, but can they keep it up? Their progress could make or break their teams’ seasons. I’ll be watching closely—shouldn’t we all?

Injury Updates

Fans are definitely keeping a close eye on injury news, especially for big names like Anthony Richardson. When these key players get hurt or sidelined, it can totally change how their teams perform in the preseason—or even later.

Want more in-depth coverage or minute-by-minute updates? Check out the New York Times Athletic live blog.