RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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Welcome to the second day of NFL preseason action.
Things kicked off Thursday evening with a six-game slate showcasing plenty of rookie talent like No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza and No. 3 pick Jeremiyah Love — so who else will we get eyes on Friday night?
Here's a look at who's in and who's out for Friday night's NFL preseason schedule:
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Denver Broncos vs. Atlanta Falcons
Notables playing: QB Tua Tagovailoa, RB Bijan Robinson, WR Drake London, TE Kyle Pitts (all expected for limited playing time), WR Courtland Sutton, CB Jahdae Barron
Notables confirmed out: QB Bo Nix
Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski stated earlier this week that the starters are expected to play a “series or around 10 plays, depending on which happens first.” Included in that cohort is quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, though Stefanski has not officially named him the starting quarterback, as 2024 first-round pick Michael Penix Jr. has not yet been fully cleared for game action in his recovery from a partially torn ACL last season. Cooper Rush is expected to get work in the offense after Tagovailoa’s exit from the game.
Though Broncos quarterback Bo Nix has been confirmed out for Friday night, the rest of Denver’s healthy starters are expected to play “about 15 snaps.” The plan is for Jarrett Stidham to start at quarterback and play the entire first half, with Sam Ehlinger playing in the second half.
It seems likely that Jaylen Waddle, who joined the team this offseason via a trade with the Miami Dolphins, will be one of those sitting out this game, currently dealing with a muscle strain . After an injury scare on Monday, RB J.K. Dobbins has logged consecutive practices, which means we could see him in the mix along with former second-round pick RJ Harvey and Tyler Badie. 2026 fourth-round running back Jonah Coleman has also garnered some buzz in training camp.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. New York Jets
Notables playing: QB Geno Smith, RB Breece Hall, WR Garrett Wilson, EDGE Will McDonald IV, David Bailey
Notables confirmed out: QB Baker Mayfield, TE Kenyon Sadiq
The Buccaneers and Jets had two joint practices this week leading up to Friday night’s preseason matchup, but clearly, New York head coach Aaron Glenn still wants to get his starters more live action.
The Jets will be playing their starters on Friday, but it’s unclear how long they’ll remain in the lineup. Fans will also get their first looks at two of the Jets’ three first-round picks from this year’s draft, including EDGE David Bailey (No. 2 overall) and WR Omar Cooper Jr. (No. 30). Absent from the lineup will be TE Kenyon Sadiq (No. 16), who’s recovering from a setback from an offseason hernia surgery and is set to miss some time in the preseason.
The Buccaneers are opting to rest their starters, including QB Baker Mayfield. Backup quarterback Jake Browning is also dealing with a back injury suffered earlier this week , which means we’ll get an extended look at the Bucs’ QB depth Friday night. Head coach Todd Bowles also shared that Tampa Bay’s 2026 first-round pick, edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr., isn’t expected to play “much, if at all.”
Miami Dolphins vs. Washington Commanders
Notables playing: QB Malik Willis, LB Sonny Styles, WR Antonio Williams
Notables confirmed out: Commanders C Nick Allegretti, CB Trey Amos, LT Laremy Tunsil
Dolphins head coach Jeff Hafley noted earlier this week that he planned to start QB Malik Willis Friday night and that “everyone should be ready to play,” but beyond that, there haven’t been many specifics noted on which starters are expected to see playing time. No official word has been given on star running back De’Von Achane specifically. One rookie to keep an eye on is third-round wide receiver Caleb Douglas, who already earned a spot as a starting wide receiver on the initial unofficial depth chart after having a strong camp.
There is also limited information on the expected playing time for Washington’s starters, but fans will make note of two rookies in particular worth watching — including first-round linebacker Sonny Styles and third-round wideout Antonio Williams. JP Finlay of NBC Sports notes that he does not expect Jayden Daniels to play Friday. Listed at QB2 on the unofficial depth chart is veteran Marcus Mariota, while Sam Hartman sits as QB3.
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