Football fans in Aiken and across the Central Savannah River Area saw a glimpse of the upcoming NFL season as Week 3 of the 2026 preseason wrapped up Saturday, August 29. Several games provided key insights into roster battles and player performances, with some South Carolina connections making headlines.
Jacksonville Jaguars undrafted rookie defensive end Bryan Thomas Jr., a former University of South Carolina player, continued to impress. Thomas, who entered Friday’s game with seven tackles, five pressures, and a sack from previous contests, added four tackles, four pressures, and 2.5 sacks against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. His performance included bursting past offensive lineman Elijah Klein for a sack in the first half and another quarterback takedown later in the game. Thomas’s efforts are making a strong case for a spot on the Jaguars’ 53-man roster.
In other action, the Baltimore Ravens defeated the Washington Commanders 41-3. Journeyman receiver Chris Moore, 33, made a strong case for a roster spot with three catches for 54 yards, including a diving touchdown grab. The Ravens’ center battle continued, with Jovaughn Gwyn starting and playing two drives before Ethan Pocic took over. Kicker Tyler Loop missed two field goals from over 50 yards, marking his third miss from at least 49 yards this summer.
The Carolina Panthers secured a 16-13 victory over the Houston Texans in a rain-soaked game in Charlotte. Three of the four quarterbacks who played in the first half, Davis Mills, Kyle Trask, and Brett Rypien, each threw an interception. Running back AJ Dillon had nine touches for 32 yards for the Panthers.
The Atlanta Falcons beat the Miami Dolphins 17-12. Falcons quarterback Tua Tagovailoa showed some improvement, completing 7 of 8 passes for 95 yards, though he did fumble a snap. Rookie Chris Bell was a clear focus for the Dolphins’ offense, leading the team with five targets through three possessions.
The New York Giants defeated the New York Jets 23-6. Veteran receiver Odell Beckham, battling for a roster spot, had three catches for 53 yards. Running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. found the end zone but left the game with a head injury, though he was later cleared. Jets rookie quarterback Cade Klubnik did not significantly enhance his QB2 candidacy, and kicker Jason Sanders missed an extra point and a 54-yard field goal.
The New Orleans Saints beat the Dallas Cowboys 27-24, showcasing an aggressive offensive approach. Rookie Barion Brown scored on a jet sweep, and backup quarterback Spencer Rattler ran for a touchdown. Audric Estimé also had a 33-yard run.
The Seattle Seahawks and Kansas City Chiefs played to a 9-9 tie. Kansas City receiver Andrew Armstrong made a strong case for a roster spot with five catches for 54 yards, including a highlight-reel diving grab.
The Cincinnati Bengals defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 30-13. Eagles first-round pick Makai Lemon, making his preseason debut, had three catches for 3 yards and a dropped pass that resulted in an interception. Bengals receiver Dohnte Meyers, a former CFL player, continued to impress with three catches for first downs, finishing the preseason with 11 receptions for 121 yards.
The Green Bay Packers beat the Arizona Cardinals 42-38. Packers fourth-round pass rusher Dani Dennis-Sutton made an early impact in his debut with a sack. Undrafted free agents Will Sheppard and J. Michael Sturdivant also made strong cases for roster spots, with Sheppard returning an 81-yard punt for a touchdown and Sturdivant tallying 112 yards and a touchdown on six catches. Cardinals quarterback Gardner Minshew had a strong performance, completing 7 of 9 passes for 126 yards and a touchdown.
Finally, the Denver Broncos defeated the Minnesota Vikings 34-6. The Broncos face tough decisions at running back, with Adam Prentice scoring his second preseason touchdown and Tyler Badie and Jaleel McLaughlin also performing well. Quarterback Jarrett Stidham led two scoring drives, while Sam Ehlinger, who played the remainder of the game, threw for 233 yards and three touchdowns.
