NFL Preseason Friday Preview: Quarterbacks Take Center Stage in Three-Game Slate
Geno Smith returns to the Jets, Bo Nix makes his preseason debut and Pittsburgh’s young passers seek another strong showing Friday night.
By Staff Writer
August 21, 2026
The NFL preseason continues Friday with three games offering more intrigue than the final scores may ultimately reveal.
The New York Jets visit the Pittsburgh Steelers in the opener, the Carolina Panthers face the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Green Bay Packers close the evening against the Denver Broncos. With roster decisions approaching, each contest represents another important audition for rookies, reserves and veterans competing for jobs.
The official schedule lists all three matchups as part of the NFL’s second preseason week. Jets-Steelers and Packers-Broncos will be carried nationally by NFL Network, while Panthers-Jaguars will be available through local television coverage and NFL+ outside the participating markets. NFL schedule
New York Jets at Pittsburgh Steelers
Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET
Site: Acrisure Stadium, Pittsburgh
Television: NFL Network
Geno Smith is expected to make his first game appearance in a Jets uniform in more than a decade when New York visits Pittsburgh.
Smith, who missed last week’s 24-16 loss to Tampa Bay because of ankle soreness, is scheduled to start after practicing throughout the week. The 35-year-old’s appearance should give New York its first live look at the veteran quarterback directing the offense since returning to the franchise that drafted him in 2013. Rookie Cade Klubnik started the preseason opener in Smith’s place. New York Post
Smith’s workload is likely to be limited, however, and the Jets must balance the need for offensive rhythm against protecting a roster already dealing with injuries. Running back Breece Hall and first-round selection Kenyon Sadiq are among the players whose health could encourage coach Aaron Glenn to take a cautious approach.
Pittsburgh will turn the game over to its younger quarterbacks. Coach Mike McCarthy plans to sit Aaron Rodgers and Mason Rudolph, leaving Will Howard and rookie Drew Allar to divide the snaps.
Both flourished in the Steelers’ 28-9 preseason-opening victory over Green Bay. Howard completed 7 of 9 passes, while Allar delivered the evening’s breakout performance by completing 10 of 13 attempts for 153 yards and two touchdowns. He also ran for another score. Pittsburgh’s three quarterbacks combined for 333 passing yards and four total touchdowns. NFL Week 1 results
Friday presents a different test. The Jets will want to see whether Smith can establish early command, but the most consequential work may come later, when Howard and Allar attempt to separate themselves in Pittsburgh’s developmental quarterback competition.
Players to watch: Geno Smith, Cade Klubnik, Will Howard and Drew Allar.
Carolina Panthers at Jacksonville Jaguars
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. ET
Site: EverBank Stadium, Jacksonville
Television: Local coverage; NFL+
Carolina enters its third preseason game still searching for its first victory, although improvement will matter considerably more than the result.
The Panthers followed a 33-30 Hall of Fame Game loss to Arizona with a 29-14 defeat at Buffalo. Carolina has surrendered 62 points through two contests, and its young secondary will be under pressure to produce a cleaner performance in Jacksonville.
Quarterback Haynes King has supplied some encouraging moments, throwing for 180 yards and two touchdowns during the preseason. Ja’Seem Reed has caught both scoring passes, establishing himself as one of the Panthers’ most notable roster hopefuls.
Carolina’s offensive line remains an area of concern. Tackles Taylor Moton and Ikem Ekwonu have been sidelined, creating additional opportunities for reserves but complicating the evaluation of the quarterbacks and running game. How effectively the Panthers protect the pocket could determine whether King and the other young skill players can build upon their early flashes.
Jacksonville, meanwhile, returns home after beating New Orleans 24-20 in its opener. Most of the Jaguars’ established starters sat out that victory, allowing several younger players to command attention.
Rookie receivers Josh Cameron, CJ Williams and Trebor Peña each produced promising moments, while running back J’Mari Taylor strengthened his case for a role in a crowded backfield. Defensively, tackle Albert Regis and veteran Ruke Orhorhoro helped generate pressure. Jaguars game report
The Jaguars also received positive news this week when versatile offensive lineman Cole Van Lanen was activated from the physically unable to perform list. It remains uncertain whether he will play Friday, but his return is significant for a line that has dealt with multiple injuries during camp.
Jacksonville will be looking for sharper early execution after its reserves needed a second-half response to win in New Orleans. Carolina, on the other hand, needs evidence that its defense can prevent explosive passes and get off the field consistently.
Players to watch: Haynes King, Ja’Seem Reed, Josh Cameron, J’Mari Taylor and Albert Regis.
Green Bay Packers at Denver Broncos
Kickoff: 9 p.m. ET
Site: Empower Field at Mile High, Denver
Television: NFL Network
Friday’s finale provides the best opportunity of the evening to see established starting quarterbacks.
Denver’s Bo Nix is scheduled to make his preseason debut after being held out of last week’s 27-7 victory over Atlanta. It will be Nix’s first game action since suffering a fractured ankle in last season’s playoffs.
The Broncos are expected to limit him to approximately one quarter, but even a short appearance carries considerable importance. Denver wants to see Nix move comfortably, handle pressure and regain the timing that helped the team finish 14-3 last season. Broncos preview
Denver’s offense looked sharp without him against Atlanta, building a 24-0 halftime lead. Jarrett Stidham connected on big plays, and the Broncos rushed for 162 yards behind a group that included second-year back RJ Harvey and rookie Jonah Coleman.
Green Bay also plans to play Jordan Love and several offensive starters. The Packers’ first unit managed a field goal on its only possession against Pittsburgh, but the remainder of the evening deteriorated into a 28-9 loss.
The Packers need a more settled showing from veteran backup Tyrod Taylor, while third-string quarterback Kyle McCord will try to build on an encouraging debut. Wide receivers Isaiah Neyor and J. Michael Sturdivant are also worth watching as they compete for roles at the back of a deep position group.
Denver’s linebacker rotation has taken on added importance after Levelle Bailey suffered a broken lower leg in the opener. Rookie Red Murdock could receive an expanded opportunity, while the Broncos have added veteran safety Taylor Rapp as another potential piece for their defense. Reuters
For both clubs, the opening possessions should provide the evening’s clearest glimpse of regular-season football. After that, the focus will shift toward the roster fringe, where every block, tackle and special-teams snap could influence a player’s professional future.
Players to watch: Jordan Love, Bo Nix, Jonah Coleman, Kyle McCord and Red Murdock.
