Young Quarterbacks, Roster Battles Take Center Stage as NFL Preseason Week 2 Opens
Raiders visit Texans before 49ers and Chargers renew their California rivalry Thursday night
By Staff Sports Writer
August 20, 2026
The second week of the NFL preseason begins Thursday night with a pair of games offering more than exhibition results. For four teams evaluating young talent, testing new systems and settling position battles, every snap could help shape a 53-man roster.
The Las Vegas Raiders visit the Houston Texans at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN, followed by the San Francisco 49ers facing the Los Angeles Chargers at 10 p.m. on NFL Network. Both games are also available through NFL+, subject to geographic restrictions. The NFL’s official schedule confirms Thursday’s two-game slate.
Las Vegas Raiders at Houston Texans
Kickoff: 8 p.m. ET
Television: ESPN
Location: Reliant Stadium, Houston
The brightest spotlight in Houston will fall on Raiders rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza, the No. 1 overall selection in this year’s NFL Draft.
Mendoza showed promise during Las Vegas’ 27-14 loss to Arizona, completing 10 of 16 passes for 97 yards and delivering a six-yard touchdown pass to Jack Bech. He also experienced the pressure that comes with playing behind a developing offensive line, completing only two of six attempts when hurried.
The rookie now encounters a Houston defense capable of creating even greater discomfort. Mendoza received work against the Texans’ first-team defense during Tuesday’s joint practice, giving Las Vegas an early look at the challenge awaiting its pass protection.
Veteran Kirk Cousins could also receive another brief appearance after opening the preseason with a nearly flawless drive. Cousins completed five of six passes for 50 yards and finished the possession with a 13-yard touchdown throw to tight end Michael Mayer. Coach Klint Kubiak has not publicly committed to a quarterback rotation, but Cousins, Mendoza and Aidan O’Connell are all competing for valuable repetitions.
Rookie running back Mike Washington Jr. provides another reason to watch the Las Vegas offense. Washington broke loose for a 53-yard run against Arizona and finished with 63 yards on only six carries. His combination of speed and physicality could earn him a meaningful role in Kubiak’s new offense.
The greater concern for Las Vegas is on defense. The Raiders surrendered 368 yards in their opener and continued to have difficulty containing the run during their joint work with Houston. Young defensive backs Jermod McCoy and Hezekiah Masses will be among those attempting to strengthen their roster cases.
Houston, meanwhile, will try to respond after a 27-7 loss to the Chargers. Quarterback Davis Mills directed the Texans’ lone touchdown drive, connecting with Jared Wayne for the score and finding rookie tight end Marlin Klein for a 31-yard gain.
First-round center Keylan Rutledge played only one possession in the opener, a sign that Houston already views him as an important member of its starting line. Defensive tackle Kayden McDonald also made a positive first impression with his work against the run. ESPN’s Week 1 review highlighted both rookies among Houston’s encouraging performers.
What to watch: How Mendoza handles Houston’s pressure, whether the Raiders can stop the run and which young Texans emerge after a quiet opener.
San Francisco 49ers at Los Angeles Chargers
Kickoff: 10 p.m. ET
Television: NFL Network
Location: SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California
San Francisco and Los Angeles close the evening with a matchup that may provide a limited look at several established starters and an extended audition for a long list of young players.
49ers coach Kyle Shanahan is expected to give quarterback Brock Purdy and portions of the first-team offense some playing time. Purdy may operate without several of San Francisco’s leading weapons, however, as Christian McCaffrey, George Kittle and Mike Evans have dealt with minor injuries.
That could create another opportunity for rookie wide receiver De’Zhaun Stribling, one of the breakout performers of the opening preseason weekend. Stribling caught seven passes for 62 yards against Tennessee, including an over-the-shoulder reception for 32 yards, despite playing only three series.
San Francisco must also sort through competitions at left guard, defensive tackle and linebacker. Carver Willis, Robert Jones and Connor Colby are battling along the offensive line, while young linebackers Jaden Dugger and Larry Worth III are pushing for roles. Running back Kaelon Black could receive additional work as the 49ers search for depth behind McCaffrey.
Los Angeles enters the game with momentum following its decisive victory in Houston. Rookie guard Jake Slaughter was one of the Chargers’ most impressive linemen in the opener and could now assume an even larger responsibility.
The Chargers announced Wednesday that veteran center Tyler Biadasz suffered a left knee injury during the joint practice with San Francisco and was seeking additional medical opinions. Slaughter is a leading option to take over at center, making his performance Thursday one of the evening’s most important evaluations. The Chargers confirmed Biadasz’s injury but did not immediately announce a timetable.
First-round edge rusher Akheem Mesidor played only eight snaps against Houston and should receive another chance to demonstrate his pass-rushing ability. Undrafted linebacker Nadame Tucker, who recorded two pressures in the opener, is also attempting to convert a strong training camp into a roster position.
The game carries an additional layer of familiarity after the teams held a joint practice Tuesday. Justin Herbert and the Chargers’ offense reportedly enjoyed considerable success against San Francisco’s secondary during that session, while the 49ers gained an up-close look at Los Angeles’ new offense under coordinator Mike McDaniel.
What to watch: Purdy’s limited work with Stribling, the Chargers’ response to their injury at center and the multiple position battles developing across San Francisco’s roster.
The final scores will soon be forgotten. The individual performances will not. With roster reductions approaching and only two preseason games remaining for each club, Thursday represents one of the last major opportunities for players on the bubble to make themselves impossible to cut.