2026 NFL preseason Week 1: Game takeaways, analysis - ESPN

The first week of the 2026 NFL preseason kicked off Thursday, giving us our first look at rookies and players making debuts with new teams. It continued with three games Friday, with seven games being played Saturday.

How did players in new uniforms perform? Who stood out? Which first-year players showed promise?

Our NFL Nation reporters picked out what you need to know about top debuts and more as the NFL returns.

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Cowboys: The Cowboys will likely give both of Dak Prescott's backups, Sam Howell and Joe Milton III, at least one start this preseason, but Howell, who signed a one-year deal worth $2.5 million as a free agent, got the call vs. Seattle and put together a solid first half. He completed 8 of 12 passes for 94 yards, including a 39-yard touchdown to undrafted rookie Camden Brown. Howell also ran twice for 15 yards, and he managed the game and kept the offense out of trouble, despite some inexperience around him.

First-rounders Caleb Downs and Malachi Lawrence saw spot duty, although Downs' first appearance didn't even last through the opening drive of the game. Lawrence saw action at both edge positions and got caught inside on one pass rush, giving Jalen Milroe the chance to scramble for a decent gain.

There are always some undrafted receivers who shine in camp practices but don't do the same in preseason games. Brown, from Georgia Southern, carried over his practice performance to Saturday's game. On his first touchdown, he pulled the ball away from Seahawks corner Shemar Jean-Charles. Brown's second touchdown was even prettier, a left-handed snare of a Milton pass on the opening drive of the third quarter. — Todd Archer

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