The 2025 NFL preseason kicked off Thursday with a number of rookies enjoying their first snaps.
Week 1 of preseason video games serves as a primary look into the brand new gamers on every workforce, whether or not they’re rookies or offseason acquisitions. To maintain you up to date on how gamers fared of their first recreation motion, our NFL Nation reporters summarize the highest debuts under.
Thursday’s video games
Ravens: Rookie sixth-round choose LaJohntay Wester supplied much-needed juice to the Ravens’ punt return recreation when he scored on an 87-yard runback within the first quarter.
.@la_wester TO THE HOUSE
Tune in on WBAL! pic.twitter.com/kNQd43xeDs
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) August 7, 2025
Wester, whose school coach was Deion Sanders at Colorado, flashed some “Prime Time” elusiveness when he darted round three would-be Colts tacklers in the course of the sector earlier than racing down the precise sideline.
Baltimore’s punt return recreation was a difficulty final season. The Ravens used 4 punt returners who averaged 9.7 yards, which ranked sixteenth within the NFL, and failed to interrupt a punt return longer than 22 yards.
Wester additionally had workforce highs with two catches for 41 yards with an extended of 30.
Rookie kicker Tyler Loop hooked a 46-yard discipline purpose try large left in his first try, however he nailed a 52-yarder within the fourth quarter. Loop is the one kicker on the roster, however coach John Harbaugh stated Loop has to show himself within the preseason. In coaching camp, Loop is 58-of-62 (93.5%). — Jamison Hensley
Subsequent recreation: at Cowboys, 7 p.m. ET, Saturday, Aug. 16
Colts: Tight finish Tyler Warren, the No. 14 choose on this 12 months’s draft, made his anticipated debut and wasted little time making an affect. Warren caught all three passes on which he was focused, producing 40 receiving yards within the course of. On his longest play, a 23-yard reception from Daniel Jones on a slant route, Warren confirmed the breadth of his expertise, catching the ball cleanly and working 14 extra yards after the catch.
Elsewhere, the Colts obtained an extended take a look at new kicker Spencer Shrader, who had a giant workload with 4 first-half field-goal makes an attempt. He related from 53, 33 and 39 yards and missed from 52. Shrader, who kicked for 3 groups as a rookie final season, is changing veteran kicker Matt Homosexual, whom the Colts launched earlier this 12 months. — Stephen Holder
Subsequent recreation: vs. Packers, 1 p.m. ET, Saturday, Aug. 16
Eagles: Operating again AJ Dillon had an encouraging debut, speeding 5 occasions for 27 yards (5.4 common) and catching three passes for 27 yards. He confirmed some wiggle with a soar reduce on a 9-yard acquire and moved the pile when he lowered his shoulder. It was a great begin after sitting out all of final season due to a neck damage.
Undrafted rookie receiver Darius Cooper (6 catches, 82 yards, 1 TD) raised his profile. He repeatedly separated from defenders with sharp routes and good burst.
First-round choose linebacker Jihaad Campbell almost got here up with an interception, and fourth-round defensive deal with Ty Robinson registered two pressures, a sack and demonstrated good consciousness by sniffing out a display screen and taking that choice away from the quarterback. — Tim McManus
Subsequent recreation: vs. Browns, 1 p.m. ET, Saturday, Aug. 16
Bengals: Defensive finish Shemar Stewart took some time to get onto the sector due to contractual points, however the first-round pick of Texas A&M has been as marketed. He was disruptive on a few his 18 defensive snaps in opposition to the Eagles.
He had a 3-yard deal with for loss on a run play. Then on a play-action bootleg, Stewart did a great job pursuing Eagles quarterback Tanner McKee and almost forcing an interception.
Rookie left guard Dylan Fairchild, a third-round choose and projected starter, had a really nondescript outing, which is an excellent factor for an offensive lineman. Proper guard Lucas Patrick, who’s battling for a beginning spot, had a few miscues on the opening drive, together with a pricey penalty. — Ben Child
Subsequent recreation: at Commanders, 8 p.m. ET, Monday, Aug. 18
