All 32 clubs are back on the field as the first full week of NFL pre‑season kicks off, with live coverage on Sky Sports. As the league gears up for the 2026 campaign, three narratives are already shaping the conversation. **Aaron Donald’s Possible Return to Los Angeles** Even though the Rams legend hung up his helmet more than two years ago, Aaron Donald’s name dominates the chatter surrounding the upcoming season. Widely hailed as one of the greatest defensive talents in NFL history, Donald has been linked to a comeback after the Rams bolstered their defensive line by acquiring last season’s sack leader, Myles Garrett, from Cleveland.
The trade sparked speculation that a dream front‑four could soon be assembled in Los Angeles. The three‑time Defensive Player of the Year participated in a private workout with the Rams this August, yet no official announcement has been made. Head coach Sean McVay has been deliberately low‑key, emphasizing that the team does not want to add pressure to Donald while he weighs his options. > "He looked great and is still going through his process," McVay told reporters.
"We have a plan that’s been in place for a while, and the workout was part of that. He feels good, but we’re not at the point where we can say definitively whether he’s ready to return. He performed outstandingly, which is exactly what we expected." With just four weeks left before the regular season tip‑off, fans remain on edge, wondering if the former defensive anchor will make a historic return and how his presence might reshape the Rams’ defense.
**Quarterback Competition in Cleveland: Shedeur Sanders vs. Deshaun Watson** The Browns have turned the quarterback position into a high‑stakes duel between veteran Deshaun Watson and rookie sensation Shedeur Sanders, the son of Hall‑of‑Famer Deion Sanders.
New head coach Todd Monken handed Watson the start in the preseason opener against the Chicago Bears, then switched to Sanders for the second half. Monken confirmed that Sanders will start the next preseason matchup against the Buffalo Bills, leaving the ultimate starter for week one of the regular season undecided. > "We’ll see both of them.
One will start this week and the other will start next week," Monken explained. Watson, now 30, has endured a turbulent tenure in Cleveland. Signed to a fully guaranteed $230 million contract in 2022, his time with the Browns has been marred by injuries—a season‑ending shoulder issue in 2023 followed by two Achilles ruptures. Off‑field, Watson faced an 11‑game NFL suspension in 2022 after allegations of sexual misconduct; he denied the claims, and the league later concluded there was insufficient evidence to uphold a personal‑conduct violation.
His first snaps since October 20, 2024 will come against the Bears, marking a 22‑month gap. Shedeur Sanders, meanwhile, entered the league with considerable hype due to his pedigree.
He started seven games as a rookie in 2025, posting 1,400 passing yards, seven touchdowns, and ten interceptions—solid but far from the elite production of his predecessor. By contrast, Watson’s 2020 peak featured a league‑leading 4,823 yards, 33 touchdowns and just seven picks. The next four preseason games will be pivotal in determining who earns the starting badge for 2026 and could set the trajectory for both quarterbacks’ careers. **Kirk Cousins vs.
Rookie Phenomenon Fernando Mendoza in Las Vegas** The Raiders face a quarterback crossroads as veteran Kirk Cousins, now in his 15th NFL season, battles rookie No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza for the starting role. Cousins has been the primary signal‑caller throughout summer practices and is slated to start the season opener on September 13 against the Miami Dolphins. Mendoza, the Heisman Trophy winner who led Indiana to its first national championship, was drafted first overall in the 2026 NFL Draft.
While he is expected to begin the year as a backup, he has been heavily involved in second‑team drills and has impressed Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak with his rapid adaptation to the professional game. > "[Mendoza] is continuing to grow.
It’s been a really impressive training camp in terms of how he’s prepared and how he performs in practice," Kubiak said. "Things don’t happen on paper or the playbook exactly as they do on the field. I think he’s done a good job adjusting." Cousins arrives in Las Vegas after an injury‑laden season with the Atlanta Falcons, where he posted 1,721 passing yards, ten touchdowns and five interceptions.
While he remains the likely starter for the immediate future, the franchise’s long‑term plan appears to revolve around Mendoza, and this preseason will give the Indiana star his first taste of NFL action. **Additional Details for Fans** - All NFL preseason games are being broadcast live on Sky Sports, with streaming options available without a contract through the Sky Sports app or the NOW platform.
- For the best viewing experience, a Chrome browser is recommended for the video player. - The preseason runs for four weeks, culminating in a Super Bowl rematch between the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots on September 10, before the regular season officially begins.
These three storylines—Donald’s potential comeback, the Browns’ quarterback battle, and the Raiders’ veteran‑rookie rivalry—offer a compelling preview of the drama and intrigue that will define the 2026 NFL season. Fans can follow every twist and turn by tuning in to Sky Sports throughout the preseason weeks.