A full slate of NFL preseason games will kick off this weekend, beginning Thursday night with six matchups.
There will be eyes everywhere as some star players and highly-touted rookies, including three of the top four 2026 draft picks — Fernando Mendoza, Jeremiyah Love and Carnell Tate — are expected to see action.
As with every preseason, teams will vary in how long they keep their starters in, if they're even playing their No. 1 units. We do know that Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase, Jordan Love, Kirk Cousins, Ashton Jeanty and Cam Ward are among those regulars expected to see the field. How long they play will be up to the coaches.
Here's a look at who's in and who's out for Thursday night's schedule:
Detroit Lions vs. Cincinnati Bengals
Notables playing: QB Joshua Dobbs, QB Joe Burrow, WR Ja'Marr Chase, WR Tee Higgins, DT Dexter Lawrence
While Zac Taylor will have his starters play a few series, Dan Campbell is taking a cautious approach. Jared Goff, Jahmyr Gibbs, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams and Penei Sewell are not expected to play. Lions running back Isiah Pacheco remains out as he deals with a sprained MCL.
Green Bay Packers vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
Notables playing: QB Jordan Love
Love will play a year after sustaining a thumb injury during a preseason game. According to Matt LaFleur, playing time will differ among his starters. Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy will likely have Mason Rudolph, Drew Allar and Will Howard under center, with Aaron Rodgers probably sitting out. McCarthy said he'd love to see Rodgers get some snaps, but the future Hall of Famer was not enthusiastic about getting in.
Indianapolis Colts vs. New England Patriots
Notables playing: QB Anthony Richardson, QB Riley Leonard, QB Tommy DeVito
Colts head coach Shane Steichen has already said that quarterback Daniel Jones will not see the field during their first two preseason games. Drake Maye will also sit Thursday for the Patriots.
Los Angeles Chargers vs. Houston Texans
Notables playing: QB Trey Lance, QB DJ Uiagalelei, WR Jayden Higgins
Chargers tackle Rashawn Slater will likely be out as he suffered a flare-up in his surgically repaired left knee. Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud will sit, as will most of DeMeco Ryans' starters.
Arizona Cardinals vs. Las Vegas Raiders
Notables playing: QB Carson Beck, QB Jacoby Brissett, RB Jeremiyah Love, QB Kirk Cousins, QB Fernando Mendoza, RB Ashton Jeanty, TE Brock Bowers
Running backs James Conner and Trey Benson are not fully practicing yet, opening the door for Love to make an early impression. But all eyes will be on the rookie quarterbacks with Beck and Mendoza facing off for the first time since January's NCAA national title game when Indiana topped Miami.
Tennessee Titans vs. San Francisco 49ers
Notables playing: QB Cam Ward, WR Carnell Tate, WR Calvin Ridley, RB Tony Pollard, WR De'Zhaun Stribling
The 49ers’ growing list of injuries features big names such as Christian McCaffrey, George Kittle, Nick Bosa, Mike Evans, Christian Kirk and Kyle Juszczyk, among others. Even head coach Kyle Shanahan is banged up as he recovers from his July car accident. Healthy regulars such as Brock Purdy and Mac Jones will not play. Titans head coach Robert Saleh, however, said this week that his starters will play more than one series.