NFL Morning Report: Rookie QBs Make Noise as Preseason Football Returns
August 14, 2026
The NFL preseason is officially moving, and Thursday night gave fans their first real look at several quarterbacks, rookies, and roster battles heading into the 2026 season.
Here are the biggest NFL stories to know this morning.
Fernando Mendoza Makes His Raiders Debut
No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza gave Las Vegas fans an encouraging first look despite the Raiders losing 27-14 to Arizona.
Mendoza completed 10 of 16 passes for 97 yards and a touchdown, connecting with Jack Bech for a six-yard score.
But the Raiders' quarterback competition isn't settled.
Veteran Kirk Cousins played only one drive and completed 5 of 6 passes for 50 yards and a touchdown. In other words, Mendoza looked promising, but Cousins reminded everyone that the rookie will have to earn the starting job.
Steelers Make an Early Statement
Pittsburgh had one of Thursday night's strongest performances, beating Green Bay 28-9.
Quarterback Drew Allar threw for 153 yards and two touchdowns, while Pittsburgh's three quarterbacks combined for 332 passing yards.
Aaron Rodgers did not play against his former team.
For Green Bay, Jordan Love saw limited action, completing 3 of 5 passes for 18 yards.
Thursday's NFL Preseason Scores
The opening slate produced a little bit of everything:
- Bengals 16, Lions 14
- Steelers 28, Packers 9
- Colts 13, Patriots 13
- Chargers 27, Texans 7
- Cardinals 27, Raiders 14
- Titans 19, 49ers 13
Joe Burrow completed 5 of 6 passes for Cincinnati, Anthony Richardson totaled 145 passing yards and 53 rushing yards for Indianapolis, and the Chargers' offense produced 379 yards in its first game under offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel.
49ers Get an Injury Scare
San Francisco quarterback Kurtis Rourke was having an impressive preseason debut before leaving with a rib injury.
Rourke completed 12 of 14 passes for 101 yards before being injured on a scramble. He was taken to a hospital for further evaluation after experiencing difficulty breathing, although initial X-rays did not show a fracture.
The injury is another reminder that preseason games are about evaluation, but staying healthy remains priority No. 1.
Browns' Quarterback Battle Is Next
One of the NFL's most interesting quarterback competitions continues Saturday.
The Browns have announced that Deshaun Watson will start against the Chicago Bears, while Shedeur Sanders is scheduled to start Cleveland's second preseason game.
Head coach Todd Monken has not named a regular-season starter, meaning Cleveland's preseason performances could carry real weight in deciding QB1.
NFL Games Tonight
Preseason football continues Friday with three games:
Denver Broncos at Atlanta Falcons — 7 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. CT
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at New York Jets — 7 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. CT
Miami Dolphins at Washington Commanders — 7 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. CT
The Buccaneers-Jets matchup is scheduled to air on NFL Network.
The Bottom Line
Don't overreact to preseason football, but don't completely ignore it either.
Fernando Mendoza showed why Las Vegas made him the No. 1 pick. Kirk Cousins showed why the Raiders don't have to rush him. Pittsburgh's young quarterbacks looked sharp, Cleveland's quarterback battle is about to get another chapter, and players fighting for roster spots are getting their opportunity.
Football is back, and now the decisions start getting interesting.
Sources
Reuters — NFL preseason roundup: Raiders' Fernando Mendoza throws TD pass in debut
https://www.reuters.com/sports/nfl-preseason-roundup-raiders-fernando-mendoza-throws-td-pass-debut--flm-2026-08-14/
NFL.com — 2026 NFL Preseason Week 1: What We Learned from Thursday's Games
https://www.nfl.com/news/2026-nfl-preseason-week-1-what-we-learned-from-thursday-s-games
NFL.com — 2026 NFL Preseason Week 1 Schedule
https://www.nfl.com/schedules/2026/by-week/preseason-week-1
NFL.com — Deshaun Watson to Start Browns' First Preseason Game
https://www.nfl.com/news/qb-deshaun-watson-to-start-browns-first-preseason-game
NFL.com — Patrick Mahomes' Knee "Feels Great" During Comeback
https://www.nfl.com/news/chiefs-qb-patrick-mahomes-knee-feels-great-i-forget-about-it-sometimes
San Francisco Chronicle — Kurtis Rourke's NFL Debut Ends With Injury
https://www.sfchronicle.com/sports/49ers/article/49ers-qb-kurtis-rourke-s-first-game-action-601-22387772.php