RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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Cam Ward, Tua Tagovailoa and six players to hurt stock during NFL preseason originally appeared on The Sporting News .
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The NFL preseason is a time for players to prove they've made the necessary adjustments in the offseason, but not every player comes out of training camp with positive reviews.
Instead, there is always a group of players whose training camp performances don't go as expected, leading their teams to wonder what the future will hold. In some cases, teams will hope that players can turn it around in the regular season, but other times, players who struggle lose their spots on the roster altogether.
This year, the group of players who hurt their stock in the preseason includes a few big-name quarterbacks at different stages of their careers. Additionally, some young players haven't taken the necessary step forward, while other veterans have not performed to their typical standard.
Here's a look at six players who hurt their stock in training camp.
MORE: Overreactions to Week 2 of NFL preseason
Players who hurt stock in preseason
Cam Ward
The Titans ' starting units have really struggled in the preseason, with Ward's performance at the center of the concern. The 2025 No. 1 overall pick completed just over half of his pass attempts for 126 yards in two games as the entire offense has started slowly under a new coaching staff.
This is a big year for Ward, who hopes to be the latest second-year quarterback to take a huge leap with his performance. Therefore, it's concerning that not only he but the entire Titans offense seems well behind where it needs to be as the regular season approaches.
Tua Tagovailoa
Tagovailoa signed with the Falcons and had the inside track to win the starting quarterback job in Week 1, especially with Michael Penix Jr. recovering from a torn ACL. So, the fact that Penix now seems to be the favorite to win the competition is a sign that Tagovailoa's stock really sank this summer.
Even if the Falcons end up naming Tagovailoa the starting quarterback to begin the year, it's clear that the team will go with Penix the moment Tagovailoa struggles. At that point, the former Dolphins quarterback could have to settle for a backup role in the future.
Isaac Teslaa
Last year, Teslaa was a training camp star as a rookie for the Detroit Lions and seemed to be a key part of the offense moving forward. However, Teslaa's performance this preseason has gone in the opposite direction, and there are questions about whether the Lions are still committed to him.
Despite playing in each of the first two preseason games, Teslaa has yet to record a catch this August, which is contributing to the stock drop. As a result, it may only be a matter of time before the Lions move on from the former third-round pick.
Only three wide receivers have run 25+ routes this preseason and have *0* receptions: -Quez Watkins -JaQuae Jackson -Isaac TeSlaa
— Ian Hartitz (@Ihartitz) August 23, 2026 Eli Stowers
The Eagles selected Stowers in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft out of hopes that he would inject some youth to the offense. Instead, Stowers has apparently struggled during training camp, with Jimmy Kempski calling him "unplayable" at the moment.
Stowers remains a long-term project for Philadelphia, who will not give up on the rookie this quick into his career. Still, the team probably hoped for a better showing this summer, as he has just three catches for 12 yards in the first two preseason games.
Keisean Nixon
Nixon made his first Pro Bowl in 2025 after establishing himself as a starting cornerback in the NFL. Therefore, he expected to be a locked-in starter this year, but instead found himself fighting for playing time with the rest of the secondary.
Keisean Nixon on coaches saying he's in competition to start despite making Pro Bowl last season, via @RobDemovsky : "I guess I’m being punished right now, I guess, I don’t know. I don’t really worry about what I’m running in camp, the ones and twos, I just keep my process and… pic.twitter.com/O7FsKQOM7o
— Underdog NFL (@UnderdogNFL) August 16, 2026 Nixon has had an up-and-down training camp, and while he should still get a shot to start for the defense, likely has a shorter leash as a result. As Nixon enters a contract year, his performance is crucial before he hits the open market next spring.
Cor'Dale Flott
Flott signed a three-year, $45 million deal in the offseason to join the Titans, as Tennessee expected him to contribute to a revamped defense. Instead, Flott has struggled mightily in both practices and games as he fails to adjust to his new surroundings.
During the season, Flott will have the benefit of his lucrative contract as a reason why he will get some leeway, but at some point, he has to prove that he was worth the signing. While the Titans' preseason has been a struggle overall, Flott has perhaps been the biggest concern.
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