NFLSU rookie check-in: Week 4 preview

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - AUGUST 29: Zavion Thomas #81 of the Chicago Bears warms up prior to an NFL preseason game against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium on August 29, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Perry Knotts/Getty Images) | Getty ImagesCBMansoor Delane

In his first full game of the season, Mansoor Delane showed out. Against the Miami Dolphins, Delane had an incredible game and showed that he can easily become a CB1 on the Chiefs. After dealing with injuries so far, this was the exact performance that was needed to get confidence back. Next week, Kansas City will play division rival the Las Vegas Raiders, which means Delane will face his toughest opponent yet. TE Brock Bowers is a mismatch against Delane, so it'll be interesting to see how the CB does.

Safety A.J. Haulcy

Haulcy needed a big week, and although it wasn't as good as Delane, it was a nice step forward. Haulcy had some good moments against the Houston Texans, and the Colts were able to get thier first win of the season. Hopefully, this means Haulcy is only improving from here, and he has a good chance to make that ahppen aginst the Commanders.

WR Zavion Thomas

For the first time this season, Thomas did play in the regular season game. He still wasn't very involved, but got his first reception of his career. It was only a first for 1 yard, but HC Ben Johnson attempted to utilize Thomas' speed, which is a good sign moving forward.

In Week 4, the Bears will be playing against the Jets, so this might the perfect time for Thomas to be utilized more.

TEBauer Sharp

The Buccaneers are 0-3 and still have not included Sharp. There has been no sign this will change, but maybe with the loss, it can make the Bucs try new things.

WR Barion Brown

Brown was injured this week and missed the Saints Week 3 game, but hopefully he can be ready for Monday Night Football. Brown is important to the return game and the Saints were missing him this past game.

LB Harold Perkins

After having a standout performance in Week 2, Perkins does it again in Week 3. Perkins snap count rose, and a clear utilizatoin is being created. The Falcons love to use Perkins on passing downs, and it is working very well. With the Falcons being in the lead for most of their game, Perkins was able to be utilized more, and it worked out.

Against the Saints, with their struggling running game, Perkins is likely going to be on the field consistently.

QB Garrett Nussmeier

Did not play because Patrick Mahomes is healthy.

EDGE Jack Pyburn

Was inactive for the Chiefs.