Football is back! While the games don't count in the standings, we're watching every game for rookie debuts, fantasy impact, injuries and more.
Off the field Thursday night, Dez Bryant told the Browns he's coming for a visit, Malcolm Jenkins explained why he raised his fist during the national anthem, and Colin Kaepernick drew attention to Kenny Stills and Albert Wilson protesting before the Dolphins-Bucs game.
Here's a roundup of the best from social media for each matchup Thursday night:
Carolina Panthers at Buffalo Bills
Josh Allen ends his night 9-for-19 for 116 yards and one touchdown. Showed some flashes and made some mistakes, but Bills have no reason to shake up QB reps after Peterman and McCarron looked sharp. They don't want to rush Allen, and don't have to... yet.
β Mike Rodak (@mikerodak) August 10, 2018
Catch or no catch I like what I have seen out of Panthers rookie TE Ian Thomas.
β David Newton (@DNewtonespn) August 10, 2018
New Panthers defensive coordinator Eric Washington can't be thrilled with the way his unit is playing. Already has given up 259 yards and 17 points in the first half.
β David Newton (@DNewtonespn) August 10, 2018
First touchdown of the preseason...
β Buffalo Bills (@buffalobills) August 9, 2018
And it looked great. #GoBills pic.twitter.com/RyDe8kHRwi
Chicago Bears at Cincinnati Bengals
Two Three with the Pick Six!#CHIvsCIN pic.twitter.com/GQkKDekESS
β Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) August 9, 2018
Sup, Tru? pic.twitter.com/oxl0iNfKTX
β Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) August 9, 2018
1st NFL game. Let's get it β οΈ pic.twitter.com/4TRCsecZCt
β Anthony Miller (@AnthonyMiller_3) August 9, 2018
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Miami Dolphins
Seeing his first game action since December 11, 2016, quarterback Ryan Tannehill completed 4-of-6 passes for 32 yards. He only played one series, but he looked confident and functionally mobile. Most importantly, he came out healthy, and protection held up. A step in the right direction.
In response to a pair of Dolphins players kneeling during the national anthem tonight, the NFL said there will be no discipline. Negotiations continue with the NFLPA about a potential new policy. From the league: "The NFL has been engaged in constructive discussions with the NFL Players Association regarding the anthem and issues of equality and social justice that are of concern to many Americans. While those discussions continue, the NFL has agreed to delay implementing or enforcing any club work rules that could result in players being disciplined for their conduct during the performance of the anthem. Meanwhile, there has been no change in the NFL's policy regarding the national anthem. The anthem will continue to be played before every game, and all player and non-player personnel on the field at that time are expected to stand during the presentation of the flag and performance of the anthem. Personnel who do not wish to do so can choose to remain in the locker room. We remain committed to working with the players to identify solutions and to continue making progress on important social issues affecting our communities."
.@Pb25Peyton gets us on the board first!#GoBucs | #TBvsMIA pic.twitter.com/IhIPo4qtJq
β Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) August 9, 2018
Almost that time... π#FinsUp | #TBvsMIA pic.twitter.com/vGWNidQAsr
β Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) August 9, 2018
Cleveland Browns at New York Giants
Baker Mayfield's preseason debut stat line: 11-20, 212 yards, 2 TD, 0 INT.
β Field Yates (@FieldYates) August 10, 2018
More importantly: showed good poise in the pocket, played strong situational football, threw well on the move. A nice starting point.
Starting my visits next week...I'm coming to the Land to see you Mr Dorsey
β Dez Bryant (@DezBryant) August 10, 2018
.@BakerMayfield's first (preseason) NFL TD!#CLEvsNYG pic.twitter.com/zRN3MoU07k
β Cleveland Browns (@Browns) August 10, 2018
Pittsburgh Steelers at Philadelphia Eagles
.@TeamJuJu gets the preseason started with some π₯. pic.twitter.com/tfIWemhUxD
β Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) August 9, 2018
Love seeing 5οΈβ£0οΈβ£ back in that huddle.#WeRide #SHALIEVE pic.twitter.com/LaTz4oPRgj
β Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) August 9, 2018
Expecting many Steelers defensive starters to play the first quarter tonight at Philly. That might be it. Several starters out: Antonio Brown, Ben Roethlisberger, Le'Veon Bell, T.J. Watt, Bud Dupree, possibly more.
β Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) August 9, 2018
New Orleans Saints at Jacksonville Jaguars
Mark Ingram ties it up with a hard-fought 2-yard run! 5:30 remaining in the first half #NOvsJAX pic.twitter.com/fFtQx9qn8q
β New Orleans Saints (@Saints) August 9, 2018
"BE THE MOST PHYSICAL TEAM!"
β New Orleans Saints (@Saints) August 9, 2018
Drew Brees' first pregame huddle of the year! #SaintsGameday pic.twitter.com/RGe79eyCrq
Washington Redskins at New England Patriots
"I got $500 for the first turnover!" - @OScandrick#WASvsNE #HTTR pic.twitter.com/9wa00C5t7q
β Washington Redskins (@Redskins) August 9, 2018
Los Angeles Rams at Baltimore Ravens
Ravens QB Lamar Jackson looks more composed tonight than his first preseason game. Perhaps biggest reason why: Jackson played behind a third-team offensive line last week and he's working behind the starting offensive line tonight. Jackson is getting much more time in the pocket.
β Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) August 10, 2018
Welcome home, @Lj_era8. pic.twitter.com/ODi7cF8jgN
β Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) August 10, 2018
Feels good to be back in our end zone huh, @PRic508? pic.twitter.com/8Ok2uOHZEQ
β Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) August 9, 2018
Ravens enter their second preseason game very healthy. Only two starters -- guard Marshal Yanda and safety Tony Jefferson -- aren't suited up for tonight's game against the Rams.
β Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) August 9, 2018
Ravens QB Joe Flacco is on the field warming up, which is significant. Flacco didn't come out early to throw on his own before any game last year because of a back injury. He's expected to play one or two series tonight against the Rams. pic.twitter.com/E0b7CnmrUF
β Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) August 9, 2018
Tennessee Titans at Green Bay Packers
There wasnβt much that could be learned about the Packersβ new-look defense β not with seven potential starters sitting out and with new coordinator Mike Pettine rarely blitzing, so the biggest takeaway from the preseason-opening win over the Titans had to be the play of the backup quarterbacks. Brett Hundley showed heretofore unseen deep-ball accuracy, hitting Davante Adams in stride for a 48-yard play, and made quicker decisions on the way to a 9-of-14, 104-yard, one-touchdown, one-interception (that wasnβt completely his fault) night. Likewise, DeShone Kizer looked more comfortable in his two drives at the helm, giving the Packers hope that Aaron Rodgersβ backups have improved. Even undrafted rookie QB Tim Boyle threw a pair of TD passes.
Tim Boyle. Jake Kumerow. 52-yard TD!!!#TENvsGB #GoPackGo pic.twitter.com/chGam33dcS
β Green Bay Packers (@packers) August 10, 2018
Mariota β‘οΈ @DariusJennings_ Touchdown ππ½ #TENvsGB
β Tennessee Titans (@Titans) August 10, 2018
Scoring Drive: 9 plays, 71 yards, 4:38 pic.twitter.com/vWcMUmmWZ0
It's time. #TitanUp βοΈ pic.twitter.com/lEYO8QCY1k
β Tennessee Titans (@Titans) August 10, 2018
Our linebackers have an attitude. π€ #TitanUp pic.twitter.com/c80Q8gkLgN
β Tennessee Titans (@Titans) August 9, 2018
Houston Texans at Kansas City Chiefs
TE Jordan Akins found the end zone for the Texans' first touchdown of the game. Bill O'Brien has described Akins as mature and a really hard worker. As a group, the Texans' young tight ends have impressed during training camp.
β Sarah Barshop (@sarahbarshop) August 10, 2018
Deshaun Watson is getting the start for the Texans. He won't be out there for very long but will have the chance to see live game action for the first time since he tore his ACL in early November.
β Sarah Barshop (@sarahbarshop) August 10, 2018
.@JJWatt's tradition is back. π€ pic.twitter.com/ujlsatWzud
β Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) August 9, 2018
Dallas Cowboys at San Francisco 49ers
.@Dak to @michael13gallup...
β NFL (@NFL) August 10, 2018
Yes. Yes! YES! #DALvsSF pic.twitter.com/c1exAj3GiE
πΊπΎ@flashg88dwin pic.twitter.com/hdlHVvIItg
β San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) August 10, 2018
Indianapolis Colts at Seattle Seahawks
Colts rookie Nyheim Hines is having a rough debut as the return specialist. He muffed a punt, which followed him having a punt hit off his body before the Colts recovered it and earlier having to take a knee on a returnable kickoff because he dropped the kick. Having all that...
β Mike Wells (@MikeWellsNFL) August 10, 2018
Colts quarterback Andrew Luck was sharp on his first drive against the Seahawks. Luck, who missed the entire 2017 season, completed 5-of-7 passes for 55 yards and led Indianapolis to a field goal on its opening possession.