Aiken football enthusiasts following the 2026 NFL preseason saw several rookies and quarterbacks make significant impacts during Thursday’s Week 3 games. These matchups offered a glimpse into potential roster changes and player development as teams prepare for the regular season.
In the Buffalo Bills’ 28-27 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers, Bills rookie wide receiver Skyler Bell, a fourth-round pick, made a strong debut after missing earlier preseason games due to a groin injury. Bell caught seven of 10 targets for 49 yards and scored a 28-yard end-around touchdown. His performance suggests he could challenge for opportunities as the season progresses, despite a crowded receiver depth chart.
For the Steelers, first-round offensive tackle Max Iheanachor also debuted, playing from the second quarter until early in the final stanza. He allowed four pressures and a sack on 17 pass blocks but also contributed to a 9-yard touchdown run. Iheanachor’s mixed results highlighted the learning curve for rookies in the NFL.
The Cleveland Browns defeated the New England Patriots 37-13, with Browns quarterback Dillon Gabriel delivering a stellar performance. Gabriel, who started six games last season, threw three first-half touchdown passes and accumulated 186 yards on 12-of-15 passing, achieving a 157.9 rating. His strong showing could position him for a trade or cut, given the Browns’ established quarterback depth. Patriots quarterback Tommy DeVito, known as Two Chains, solidified his role as backup to Drake Maye, completing two of four passes for 55 yards, including a 45-yard touchdown.
In the San Francisco 49ers’ 18-12 win against the Las Vegas Raiders, Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza did not secure the starting QB spot, despite Kirk Cousins’ limited mobility. Mendoza completed seven of 14 passes for 57 yards and was intercepted once. 49ers third-round running back Kaelon Black showed promise with 28 yards on four carries, averaging seven yards per attempt. Raiders running back Mike Washington Jr. continued his impressive preseason, rushing for 49 yards on eight carries, bringing his preseason total to 168 yards on 23 attempts.
The Los Angeles Rams beat the Los Angeles Chargers 20-18. Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert connected with Quentin Johnston for a 65-yard touchdown, a much-needed highlight for the first-team offense. Rams rookie quarterback Ty Simpson, the 13th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, concluded his preseason with strong statistics, completing 18 of 23 passes for 119 yards and an 11-yard touchdown, achieving a 102.7 rating in the game.
