Updated

Updated · Yahoo Sports · Aug 21

Bo Nix Returns for Broncos in Preseason Week 2 as Most NFL Starters Near Final Tuneup

Updated

Updated · Yahoo Sports · Aug 21

Bo Nix Returns for Broncos in Preseason Week 2 as Most NFL Starters Near Final Tuneup

Q: As the Panthers bench defensive stars, which Jaguars rookie will exploit the mismatch to steal a final roster spot?

Trebor Peña is the best bet. With Carolina expected to sit multiple defensive starters and Jacksonville leaning heavily on reserves in this preseason stretch, Peña has the clearest path to capitalize on softer coverage and turn production into a roster case. He already flashed with Joey Aguilar in the opener on a 43-yard connection, then backed it up against the Panthers with four catches for 72 yards and a 29-yard touchdown. That chemistry matters on the back end of the roster, especially for a receiver competing for either the final 53 or a protected practice-squad spot. Josh Cameron also deserves mention. The sixth-round rookie created separation against veteran coverage and helped spark Jacksonville’s offense with chunk gains, including a 22-yard catch and another 19-yarder versus Carolina. But Cameron appears to be in stronger shape already, with multiple reports suggesting he and CJ Williams have been among camp standouts and are trending toward making the team. If the question is which rookie can use the matchup to steal a final spot, Peña fits that description better. He is in the more crowded bubble tier, and his recent production has been timely. Jacksonville’s staff is clearly evaluating young pass-catchers, and Peña has turned limited preseason targets into explosive plays. Against a short-handed Panthers defense, he looked like the rookie most able to exploit the mismatch and force harder roster decisions.

3 articles · Updated · Yahoo Sports · Aug 21

Three weeks before Week 1, most NFL teams enter preseason Week 2 with what is expected to be the last meaningful action for many starters.
Bo Nix is set for his first game since breaking his ankle in Denver's AFC divisional-round win over Buffalo, though the Broncos plan to keep the quarterback on a limited count.
Friday's usage will vary by team: Jacksonville is likely to open with its starters against Carolina, while Pittsburgh coach Mike McCarthy wants younger players to get heavy reps versus the Jets.
Roster battles and recovery timelines are shaping the weekend, with players such as Nix, Jordan Love and Geno Smith using the games to build readiness for the regular-season opener.