Samwise NFL Newsletter
Sunday, August 23, 2026
Nick Chubb Announces Retirement After Eight NFL Seasons
Running back Nick Chubb announced his retirement from the NFL on Friday, ending an eight-season career at age 30. A second-round pick by the Cleveland Browns in 2018, Chubb spent seven seasons with Cleveland before joining the Houston Texans for the 2025 season. The four-time Pro Bowler totaled 7,349 rushing yards and 54 touchdowns, with his best campaign in 2022 when he rushed for 1,525 yards and 12 touchdowns. Chubb’s career was also marked by a serious knee injury suffered in Week 2 of the 2023 season at Pittsburgh. He stated on Instagram he wanted to retire healthy and on a winning note after finishing the 2025 season with Houston.
Harrison Butker Kicks 69-Yard Field Goal in Chiefs’ 16-15 Preseason Loss to Buccaneers
Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker drilled a 69-yard field goal Saturday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, one yard beyond the NFL regular-season record of 68 yards. The kick cleared the crossbar comfortably and appeared good from even greater distance. The attempt will not count in the official record book, as preseason kicks are excluded from NFL statistical history. Butker later missed an extra point and a 43-yard go-ahead field goal attempt with 3:23 remaining in the fourth quarter. Tampa Bay capitalized on those late miscues to hold on for a 16-15 victory over Kansas City.
Sources: CBS Sports
Joe Milton Throws Two Touchdowns as Cowboys Beat Cardinals 34-13 in Preseason Week 2
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Joe Milton completed 9 of 13 passes for 179 yards with two touchdown passes and one rushing score, finishing with a 151.4 passer rating in Saturday’s 34-13 preseason victory over the Arizona Cardinals. Milton connected with wide receiver Jonathan Mingo on a 53-yard scoring strike and later found running back Malik Davis for another touchdown. The performance strengthened Milton’s claim to the Cowboys’ backup quarterback role behind Dak Prescott, as he stood firm in the pocket, moved through his reads efficiently, and took off only when needed. Dallas improved to 2-0 in the 2026 preseason.
Sources: CBS Sports
Late Fumble Recovery Seals Patriots’ 24-21 Preseason Win Over Eagles
New England Patriots quarterback Tommy DeVito threw for 195 yards and a touchdown Saturday, leading New England to a 24-21 preseason win over the Philadelphia Eagles. DeVito went 8 of 15 for 151 yards in the first half, including a 69-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Kyle Williams, and added a 36-yard scramble. With 36 seconds remaining, seventh-round draft pick linebacker Quintayvious Hutchins sacked Eagles quarterback Cole Payton, forcing a fumble that defensive tackle Casey Rogers recovered to seal the victory. The Patriots outgained Philadelphia 378 total yards to 302.
Sources: Patriots.com
Bills Rout Browns 31-7 as Shedeur Sanders Opens Strong in Cleveland QB Battle
The Buffalo Bills rolled past the Cleveland Browns 31-7 Saturday, outgaining Cleveland 353 yards to 193. Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders received the start and opened with a strong drive, completing all four of his initial pass attempts capped by an 8-yard touchdown to Luke Floriea, and hitting his first eight consecutive throws overall. Sanders was later intercepted by Damar Hamlin on a tipped pass. Deshaun Watson was wholly ineffective in the second half and also threw an interception. The Bills used the lopsided contest to evaluate depth ahead of the August 26 roster cutdown to 53 players.
Sources: CBS Sports
Bengals Beat Bears 27-9 Behind Backup Quarterbacks in Preseason Week 2
The Cincinnati Bengals defeated the Chicago Bears 27-9 on Saturday, with backup quarterbacks Josh Johnson and Sean Clifford leading Cincinnati’s offense while outgaining Chicago 346 total yards to 317. Bears starter Caleb Williams led only the opening drive, which produced a 45-yard field goal by Cairo Santos. Clifford threw a 20-yard touchdown pass to receiver Noah Thomas in the third quarter. Kicker Evan McPherson added a 58-yard field goal to extend the lead. Defensive back Skylar Thomas generated Chicago’s lone turnover with an interception of Clifford late in the contest.
Ravens Defense Records Five Sacks in 13-3 Preseason Win Over Vikings
The Baltimore Ravens’ defense dominated in Saturday’s 13-3 preseason victory over the Minnesota Vikings, recording five sacks and forcing two turnovers. The game’s lone touchdown came on an 8-yard pass from quarterback Joe Fagnano to receiver LaJohntay Wester with just under six minutes remaining in the third quarter. Fagnano completed 15 of 20 passes for 123 yards and one touchdown without committing a turnover. Minnesota’s offense cycled through three quarterbacks on the afternoon but managed just three total points and turned the ball over twice against a Baltimore defense that was active and disruptive throughout.
Sources: CBS Sports
Jayden Daniels Returns for Just Three Snaps in Commanders’ 17-13 Preseason Loss to Lions
Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels made his first appearance in competitive action since December 2025 in Saturday’s 17-13 preseason loss to the Detroit Lions, but his return lasted just three snaps. Daniels, who missed significant time during his sophomore season due to knee, hamstring, and elbow injuries, attempted one pass and took a sack before handing off on third-and-20 to conclude his afternoon. Commanders fans eager for a longer look at Daniels in game conditions will have to wait until the regular-season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 1.
AFC Divisions
Preseason 2026 — Regular season begins September 9
AFC East
1. Buffalo Bills — 0–0–0
2. Miami Dolphins — 0–0–0
3. New England Patriots — 0–0–0
4. New York Jets — 0–0–0
AFC North
1. Baltimore Ravens — 0–0–0
2. Cincinnati Bengals — 0–0–0
3. Cleveland Browns — 0–0–0
4. Pittsburgh Steelers — 0–0–0
AFC South
1. Houston Texans — 0–0–0
2. Indianapolis Colts — 0–0–0
3. Jacksonville Jaguars — 0–0–0
4. Tennessee Titans — 0–0–0
AFC West
1. Kansas City Chiefs — 0–0–0
2. Las Vegas Raiders — 0–0–0
3. Los Angeles Chargers — 0–0–0
4. Denver Broncos — 0–0–0
NFC Divisions
NFC East
1. Philadelphia Eagles — 0–0–0
2. Dallas Cowboys — 0–0–0
3. Washington Commanders — 0–0–0
4. New York Giants — 0–0–0
NFC North
1. Detroit Lions — 0–0–0
2. Green Bay Packers — 0–0–0
3. Minnesota Vikings — 0–0–0
4. Chicago Bears — 0–0–0
NFC South
1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers — 0–0–0
2. Atlanta Falcons — 0–0–0
3. New Orleans Saints — 0–0–0
4. Carolina Panthers — 0–0–0
NFC West
1. Los Angeles Rams — 0–0–0
2. Seattle Seahawks — 0–0–0
3. San Francisco 49ers — 0–0–0
4. Arizona Cardinals — 0–0–0
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Curated by JD · samwise.agency