Week 2 of the 2025 NFL preseason highlighted standout performances from rookies like Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart and Eagles safety Andrew Mukuba, while exposing concerns for veterans like Packers running back MarShawn Lloyd and the Cowboys’ backup units. These developments offer early insights into potential breakout stars and roster vulnerabilities before regular season begins.
Jaxson Dart continued his impressive preseason campaign with the New York Giants, solidifying his position as the top-performing rookie quarterback. Through two preseason games, Dart has completed 26 of 35 passes for 291 yards and two touchdowns. His Week 2 performance featured a well-executed play-action touchdown pass and precise throws under pressure, demonstrating poise beyond his experience level.
Philadelphia Eagles rookie safety Andrew Mukuba emerged as a defensive standout with two impactful plays against the Browns. The second-round draft pick first intercepted a pass from Dillon Gabriel and returned it for a touchdown, then immediately recovered a fumble on the ensuing kickoff. His ball-hawking abilities could earn him significant playing time in Philadelphia’s evolving secondary.
On the negative side, Green Bay Packers running back MarShawn Lloyd suffered another injury setback, exiting with a hamstring issue after finally returning from multiple ailments that sidelined him most of his rookie season. Meanwhile, the Dallas Cowboys’ backups were thoroughly dominated by Baltimore, managing just 31 first-half yards while allowing 273. Quarterback Joe Milton struggled (9/18, 122 yards, 1 INT) in the lopsided defeat.
Other notable performances included New England Patriots running back TreVeyon Henderson scoring his second preseason touchdown, showcasing the explosiveness that could earn him early-season snaps. Veteran quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, recently out of retirement, threw two touchdown passes for Tampa Bay, including a perfectly placed corner-end-zone strike to rookie Emeka Egbuka.
Controversy emerged in Tennessee where receiver Van Jefferson dropped a perfectly thrown deep ball from No. 1 overall pick Cameron Ward that would have been a touchdown. The Los Angeles Rams provided concerningly vague updates about Matthew Stafford’s mystery injury, canceling a scheduled workout without explanation after the quarterback was seen using a ‘rejuvenation chamber’.
These preseason performances carry significant roster implications with final cuts approaching. Standouts like Dart and Mukuba are positioning themselves for meaningful roles, while struggling backups and injury-prone players face uncertain futures. Teams will make crucial decisions based on these performances before the September regular-season kickoff.