As the calendar flips to August 27, 2026, the NFL preseason reaches its climactic final week. With the 53-man roster cutdown looming, teams across the league are using Thursday's slate of games as a last-ditch evaluation period. The Vulius NFL Analysis Desk has tracked every notable move, and this week's storylines are headlined by a quarterback battle in Cleveland and a youth movement in Pittsburgh.
Dillon Gabriel: Fighting for a Roster Spot in Cleveland
In Cleveland, the Browns have officially named Deshaun Watson their starting quarterback, but all eyes are on the backup competition. Head coach Todd Monken confirmed that Watson and Shedeur Sanders will sit out Thursday's game against the New England Patriots, opening the door for Dillon Gabriel to see extended action. Gabriel, a third-round pick in 2025 who started six games last season, is squarely on the roster bubble. If the Browns opt to keep only three quarterbacks, Gabriel's performance against the Patriots could be the deciding factor. His primary competition is rookie Taylen Green, a sixth-round pick whose athleticism turned heads at the NFL Combine.
Steelers' Young Guns on Display Again
Meanwhile, in Pittsburgh, the Steelers are giving another audition to their young quarterbacks. Will Howard and Drew Allar impressed in the opener against the Green Bay Packers but struggled last week against the New York Jets, with Howard throwing two interceptions. Head coach Mike McCarthy has been tight-lipped about the exact split, but he's expected to give both signal-callers significant reps against the Buffalo Bills. Notably, veteran Aaron Rodgers is unlikely to play, as McCarthy seems satisfied with Mason Rudolph's preseason tape.
Bills' Backup QB Battle Takes Center Stage
Across the field, the Bills are resting star quarterback Josh Allen, who has been officially shut down for the preseason. Instead, the QB2 competition between Kyle Allen and Shane Buechele will be on full display at Highmark Stadium. Head coach Joe Brady teased that Allen might even get a chance to call some plays, adding an intriguing wrinkle to the exhibition.
Raiders' Rookie QB Fernando Mendoza Gets Another Look
In Las Vegas, rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza continues to impress. The No. 1 overall pick has completed 18-of-31 passes for 183 yards with a touchdown and an interception through two games. With Kirk Cousins entrenched as the starter, Mendoza is expected to see more action against the San Francisco 49ers, who are resting many of their key players, including Brock Purdy, Christian McCaffrey, and Mike Evans. Keep an eye on undrafted rookie wideout De'Zhaun Stribling, who has hauled in 11 preseason receptions for the Niners.
Chargers to Give Starters a Brief Run
The night concludes with a SoFi Stadium showdown between the Los Angeles Rams and Chargers. Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh announced that starters, including quarterback Justin Herbert and rookie center Jake Slaughter, will play for 'six to nine plays' to get a rhythm in the Mike McDaniel offense. Slaughter is filling in for the injured Tyler Biadasz. For the Rams, rookie quarterback Ty Simpson will get another opportunity after a solid debut, while Stetson Bennett IV also impressed last week.
As Vulius Sports has highlighted, this final preseason week is a crucial juncture for fringe players and developing talent. With roster decisions imminent, Thursday's games could shape the fortunes of several teams heading into the 2026 regular season.
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