All 32 clubs are back on the field as the first full week of NFL pre‑season kicks off, with every game being broadcast live on Sky Sports. As fans settle in for the upcoming campaign, three narratives stand out as must‑follow storylines. **Aaron Donald’s Potential Return to the Rams** Even though Aaron Donald officially stepped away from the game more than two years ago, his name dominates conversation as the 2026 season approaches.
The former Los Angeles Rams defensive titan, widely hailed as one of the greatest defenders in league history, has been hinted at a comeback after the Rams bolstered their defensive line by acquiring last year’s sack leader Myles Garrett from the Cleveland Browns. The pairing of Donald and Garrett would create a fearsome front‑four that could dominate opponents. Donald, a three‑time Defensive Player of the Year, participated in a private workout with the Rams in August. While the session went well, head coach Sean McVay has deliberately kept the situation low‑key, emphasizing that the team does not want to add pressure while Donald evaluates his health and readiness.
"He looked great and is still going through his process," McVay said. "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 lace up again. He performed outstandingly, as we expected." With just four weeks remaining until the regular season opener, the Rams and their fan base remain on tenterhooks, waiting to see whether Donald will make a historic return and how his presence might reshape the defensive scheme. **The Quarterback Tug‑of‑War in Cleveland** Perhaps the most high‑profile positional battle this preseason is the competition between Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson for the Cleveland Browns’ starting quarterback spot.
New head coach Todd Monken has taken a measured approach, giving Watson the start in the preseason opener against the Chicago Bears, while inserting Sanders in the second half. Monken confirmed that Sanders will start the following preseason game against the Buffalo Bills, making it clear that both quarterbacks will see significant reps before the regular season begins.
The two signal‑callers are at opposite ends of their career arcs. Watson, now 30, has endured a tumultuous stretch with the Browns. Signed to a fully guaranteed $230 million contract after being acquired in 2022, his tenure has been marred by a season‑ending shoulder injury in 2023 and two Achilles ruptures the next year. Off‑field, Watson faced an 11‑game NFL suspension in 2022 after allegations of sexual assault and misconduct; he denied the claims and the league ultimately found insufficient evidence to uphold a personal‑conduct violation.
His first snap in a Browns uniform since October 20, 2024 will come against Chicago, marking a 22‑month gap. Sanders, the son of Hall‑of‑Famer Deion Sanders, entered the league with a lot of hype. In his rookie season in 2025, he started seven games, posting 1,400 passing yards, seven touchdowns and ten interceptions—a modest output compared with Watson’s 2020 peak when he led the league with 4,823 yards, 33 touchdowns and just seven picks. The Browns’ next four preseason outings will be pivotal in deciding who earns the week‑one nod and could shape the long‑term trajectories of both young quarterbacks.
**Kirk Cousins vs. Rookie Phenomenon Fernando Mendoza in Las Vegas** The Raiders face a classic veteran‑vs‑rookie showdown at quarterback. Kirk Cousins, now in his 15th NFL season, is the established starter and is slated to lead the team when they open the regular season on September 13 against the Miami Dolphins. However, the franchise’s future hinges on No.
1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza, the Heisman‑winning quarterback from Indiana who guided the Hoosiers to their first national championship. Mendoza entered training camp as the clear heir‑apparent, working primarily with the second‑team offense while Cousins helmed the first‑team unit. Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak praised the rookie’s rapid development, noting that “things don’t happen on paper or in the playbook exactly as they do on the field.
He’s done a good job adjusting.” Cousins arrives in Las Vegas after an injury‑laden season with the Atlanta Falcons, where he threw for 1,721 yards, 10 touchdowns and five interceptions. While he is expected to start the season, the preseason will give Mendoza his first taste of professional competition and a chance to demonstrate that he can eventually take over the reins. **Why These Storylines Matter** Each of these narratives adds a layer of intrigue to the preseason schedule.
Donald’s possible comeback could redefine defensive strategy league‑wide. The Browns’ quarterback duel offers a glimpse into whether a seasoned veteran can rebound from adversity or whether a rising star will claim the mantle.
Meanwhile, the Raiders’ quarterback situation underscores the inevitable transition from veteran leadership to youthful potential that every franchise must manage. Fans can catch all four weeks of NFL preseason action on Sky Sports, beginning with the Super Bowl rematch between the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots on September 10. For those who prefer streaming without a contract, the NOW platform provides contract‑free access to live games and additional sports content.
Whether you’re tracking a legendary defensive end’s potential return, a quarterback battle that could reshape a franchise’s future, or the mentorship of a veteran as a rookie learns the ropes, this preseason promises plenty of drama before the regular season officially gets underway.