NFL Preseason: Sanders Shines, Henderson Impact and More! Recap!

alofoke
6 Min Read

The 2025 NFL Preseason: Rookie First Impressions

The 2025 NFL preseason is already underway, offering fans a first look at the new prospects and acquisitions of the teams. Alofoke Deportes brings you a summary of the most outstanding debuts from our reporters.Browns 30, Panthers 10The Browns’ rookie quarterback, Shedeur Sanders, shined in the first preseason game, throwing two touchdown passes in the first half. Sanders, who was initially in the QB4 position in the competition for the position, earned the starting position due to injuries to Kenny Pickett and Dillon Gabriel. He showed precision and poise, qualities that positioned him as a high-level quarterback in the 2025 draft. Also standing out were Carson Schwesinger and Mason Graham, both rookies for the Browns. Schwesinger led the team with six tackles in the first half, while Graham generated pressure on the quarterback on several plays.Next game: vs. Philadelphia Eagles (1 p.m. ET, August 16) For the Panthers, the overall performance of the rookies was less impactful. Tetairoa McMillan had a standout 30-yard reception, but only managed two receptions on five attempts. Jimmy Horn Jr. caught four of five passes, but only added 15 yards. The edge rushers Nic Scourton and Princely Umanmielen combined for a single sack.Next game: vs. Houston Texans (1 p.m. ET, August 16)
NFL Preseason: Sanders Shines, Henderson Impact and More! Recap!
Bryce Young connects with Tetairoa McMillan for a 29-yard gain.Lions 17, Falcons 10The preseason game between the Lions and the Falcons was suspended in the fourth quarter following Morice Norris’s injury. Lions rookie receiver Isaac TeSlaa scored his first preseason touchdown with a pass from Kyle Allen. TeSlaa finished with two receptions for 18 yards. Rookies Tyleik Williams and Tate Ratledge also debuted. The least outstanding performance came from quarterback Hendon Hooker, who had two fumbles.Next game: vs. Miami Dolphins (1 p.m. ET, August 16) In the Falcons, Easton Stick performed well as a backup quarterback. Atlanta’s rookies had discreet performances. James Pearce Jr. was often double-teamed, while Jalon Walker and Xavier Watts recorded one tackle each. Billy Bowman Jr. had a good tackle in punt coverage.Next game: vs. Tennessee Titans (7 p.m. ET, Friday)
NFL Preseason: Sanders Shines, Henderson Impact and More! Recap!
TreVeyon Henderson scores a touchdown on the opening kickoff.Patriots 48, Commanders 18TreVeyon Henderson, selected in the second round, had an immediate impact by returning the initial kickoff for a touchdown. Henderson demonstrated his speed and ability for big plays, attributes that the team needed. He added an 18-yard run and three receptions for 12 yards.Next game: vs. Minnesota Vikings (1 p.m. ET, August 16)Commanders: Trey Amos had a solid performance, defending a deep pass and stopping a run. Josh Conerly Jr. played 22 plays at right tackle, showing progress.Next game: vs. Cincinnati Bengals (8 p.m. ET, August 18)Seahawks 23, Raiders 23Jalen Milroe, in his debut, demonstrated his ability to run, with a gain of 27 yards on a play. He completed 6 of 10 passes for 61 yards and led a series that ended in a touchdown. Tory Horton continued to stand out, competing for the third receiver position, with three receptions for 31 yards and a touchdown.Next game: vs. Chiefs, 10 p.m. ET, August 15thRaiders: Ashton Jeanty had a low-key debut. The offensive line didn’t offer much support to the running game. Jamal Adams, who recently signed, was active on the line of scrimmage.Next game: vs. 49ers, 4 p.m. ET, August 16
NFL Preseason: Sanders Shines, Henderson Impact and More! Recap!
Anthony Richardson exits the preseason game with a finger injury.Ravens 24, Colts 16LaJohntay Wester, selected in the sixth round, brought dynamism to the Ravens’ return game, scoring an touchdown of 87 yards. Tyler Loop, the rookie kicker, had a mixed performance.Next game: vs. Cowboys, 7 p.m. ET, August 16Colts: Tyler Warren, the 14th overall draft pick, had an impactful debut, catching all three passes he was targeted with, for 40 yards. Spencer Shrader had four field goal attempts.Next game: vs. Packers, 1 p.m. ET, August 16Eagles 34, Bengals 27AJ Dillon had a promising debut, running for 27 yards and catching three passes for 27 yards. Darius Cooper stood out with six receptions for 82 yards and a touchdown. Jihaad Campbell nearly got an interception.Next game: vs. Browns, 1 p.m. ET, August 16thBengals: Shemar Stewart proved to be disruptive in his plays. Dylan Fairchild had a discreet performance, while Lucas Patrick had some errors.Next game: vs. Commanders, 8 p.m. ET, August 18th

Upcoming Matches (Saturday)

  • New York Giants vs. Buffalo Bills: 1 p.m. ET
  • Houston Texans vs. Minnesota Vikings: 4 p.m. ET
  • Dallas Cowboys vs. Los Angeles Rams: 7 p.m. ET
  • Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Jacksonville Jaguars: 7 p.m. ET
  • Tennessee Titans vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 7:30 p.m. ET
  • New York Jets vs. Green Bay Packers: 8 p.m. ET
  • Kansas City Chiefs vs. Arizona Cardinals: 8 p.m. ET
  • Denver Broncos vs. San Francisco 49ers: 8:30 p.m. ET

Upcoming Matches (Sunday)

  • Miami Dolphins vs. Chicago Bears: 1 p.m. ET
  • New Orleans Saints vs. Los Angeles Chargers: 4 p.m. ET
Share This Article