The NFL is taking a rare Sunday off, at least by its own standards.
After the preseason rolled on for 30 teams this weekend, there are no NFL games scheduled for Sunday. Every club already played Thursday, Friday or Saturday, which is how the league handles preseason weekends before the regular season shifts back to its usual Sunday-heavy rhythm.
That means the next wave of football won’t arrive until Thursday night, when Fernando Mendoza and the Raiders meet the Texans and the 49ers take on the Chargers. From there, Week 2 of the preseason stretches across the calendar, with the busiest chunk of action landing on Friday and Saturday.
The preseason opener already gave fans the first real look at rookies and first-time NFL players, including Fernando Mendoza, Ty Simpson and Jeremiyah Love, all of whom suited up in a game for the first time. The results may not count in the standings, but the tape matters for players trying to make an impression and fight for a roster spot.
Week 2 brings a full slate of 32 teams in action, capped by a Sunday night matchup between the Titans and Seahawks on Fox. In between, there are 13 games packed into Friday and Saturday alone.
Here’s the full Week 2 preseason schedule:
Thu., Aug. 20
Texans vs. Raiders, 8 p.m.
Chargers vs. 49ers, 10 p.m.
Fri., Aug. 21
Steelers vs. Jets, 7 p.m.
Jaguars vs. Panthers, 7:30 p.m.
Broncos vs. Packers, 9 p.m.
Sat., Aug. 22
Lions vs. Commanders, 12 p.m.
Browns vs. Bills, 1 p.m.
Colts vs. Falcons, 1 p.m.
Vikings vs. Ravens, 1 p.m.
Rams vs. Saints, 4 p.m.
Dolphins vs. Giants, 4 p.m.
Bengals vs. Bears, 7 p.m.
Patriots vs. Eagles, 7 p.m.
Buccaneers vs. Chiefs, 7:30 p.m.
Cardinals vs. Cowboys, 10 p.m.
Sun., Aug. 23
Titans vs. Seahawks, 8 p.m.
So if you were looking for NFL football today, the answer is no. But the preseason is already rolling, and Week 2 is set to hit fast once Thursday night arrives.
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Johnson is eligible to return for the Oct. 25 game against Cleveland, but the absence still forces the Titans to adjust their back-end rotation in the meantime. It is a difficult development on both a football and personal level, and it leaves Tennessee waiting for more clarity on how it will manage the spot until he is back in uniform. [Read more 🡒]
