NFL preseason Week 2: Bo Nix, Jordan Love, Geno Smith expected to see action on Friday
The 2026 NFL preseason schedule rolls on this weekend as teams play their second games three weeks before the regular season begins.
This week's slate will mark the final time most starters will see action as teams continue to prepare for Week 1. Jobs remain on the line for some, while others are working their way to be 100% ready for the season opener.
Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix will see his first action since breaking his ankle in the AFC Divisional Round loss to the Buffalo Bills. He'll be on a limited count as he ramps up preparation for their Week 1 matchup at Arrowhead Stadium against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Playing time will be different across each of Friday's three games. The Jacksonville Jaguars will likely have their starters begin the game against the Carolina Panthers, while Mike McCarthy wants to see the Pittsburgh Steelers' younger players get plenty of reps against the New York Jets.
Play Yahoo's new College Fantasy Football game: Create or join a league now!
Here's a look at who's in and who's out for Friday night's NFL preseason schedule:
New York Jets vs. Pittsburgh SteelersNotables playing: QBs Will Howard, Drew Allar, Geno Smith, RB Braelon Allen
Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy confirmed that their second preseason tuneup would focus on getting some of their younger players reps, announcing that both quarterbacks Aaron Rodgers and Mason Rudolph would sit Friday night. Will Howard will get the start, followed by Drew Allar, giving their young quarterbacks the full allotment of reps in Week 2 of the preseason.
Though Aaron Glenn said Wednesday that "the players are gonna play," he didn't commit to playing all of the starters. One starter who will play is quarterback Geno Smith, who sat out last weekend's preseason opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Braelon Allen will take over the starting running back job with Breece Hall sidelined with a groin injury.
Carolina Panthers vs. Jacksonville JaguarsNotables playing: TBA
Last week, Panthers head coach Dave Canales only kept the first-team offense in the game for nine plays before pulling them, telling reporters earlier this week that he had a "three-series cap" in mind for those players.
Jaguars head coach Liam Coen told reporters earlier this week that he was "trending towards" playing his starters for a couple of drives on Friday. Nick Mullens will start at quarterback if Trevor Lawrence does not.
Green Bay Packers vs. Denver BroncosNotables playing: QBs Jordan Love, Bo Nix
Matt LaFleur said earlier this week the plan is for the Packers' starters, including quarterback Jordan Love, to play Friday night. They will then be involved in next week's joint practice with the Arizona Cardinals before sitting out the preseason finale against the Arizona Cardinals.
Bo Nix will see about 14 snaps against the Packers, according to Broncos head coach Sean Payton.