Rookie quarterbacks open 2026 NFL preseason with strong debuts

The 2026 NFL preseason opened with teams getting their first game-speed look at rookies and new additions, as early depth-chart decisions began to take shape. Several first-year quarterbacks delivered productive first outings, while other rookie contributors and a late injury drew attention as Week 1 got underway.

In Las Vegas, top overall pick Fernando Mendoza posted an efficient debut, completing 10 of 16 passes for 97 yards and throwing a 6-yard touchdown. Officials said he was pressured on 38.9 percent of his dropbacks, and his snaps came after veteran Kirk Cousins led an opening scoring drive.

Quarterbacks set the early tone in Week 1 Quarterbacks set the early tone in Week 1 In Las Vegas In Pittsburgh, rookie quarterback Drew Allar helped deliver a 28-9 win over the Green Bay Packers. Allar finished 7 of 12 for 78 yards with two passing touchdowns, and he added a third score on a 1-yard run, giving his first preseason action a multi-touchdown highlight. Detroit, adjusting its quarterback room after Teddy Bridgewater, divided reps between undrafted rookie Luke Altmyer and veteran Joshua Dobbs. Altmyer went 7 of 13 for 66 yards, while Dobbs completed 5 of 7 for 65 yards and directed two scoring drives, according to game details. Rookie impacts extend beyond the passing game In Arizona, third-overall pick Jeremiyah Love produced one of the more notable rushing lines of the opening slate. Love ran 11 times for 58 yards, averaging 5.3 yards per carry, as the Cardinals evaluated how their early selections translate in live action. Arizona also faced an early uncertainty when second-round pick Chase Bisontis left in the third quarter with a knee injury. Officials did not immediately clarify the severity, leaving his status unresolved as the preseason continues.

Special teams adds a long-range highlight

Special teams also contributed a headline moment for Special teams also contributed a headline moment for Green Bay. Packers kicker Trey Smack made all three of his field-attempts, including a 58-yard kick, providing a clean early statement in a phase of the game where consistency is heavily scrutinized.

With multiple preseason weeks still ahead, teams are expected to keep rotating lineups and testing combinations before final roster decisions closer to the regular-season opener. These first results offered an initial snapshot of how quickly members of the 2026 rookie class could compete for roles, while also underscoring how quickly injuries can alter early plans.