2025 NFL Preseason Week 2: Ten Players To Watch

With the preseason now being shortened to three games, there are teams that treat the second preseason game as a dress rehearsal for the regular season. Players who may have sat out the first week have a good chance of seeing playing time in week two. Here are ten players to watch in week two of the preseason.

Ten Players To Watch In Preseason Week 2

QB Caleb Williams, Chicago Bears

After sitting out the first preseason game, Williams will play in the second preseason game for the Bears. Williams will have a healthy set of eyes on him, as many are curious to see Williams in new head coach Ben Johnson’s system for the first team. The training camp reviews for Williams haven’t been favorable, but Johnson doesn’t seem to be worried. Williams has a lot of pressure on him this season, so a good preseason showing will help.

OL Willie Lampkin, Los Angeles Rams

Lampkin went viral, taking the NFL world by storm for his performance against the Dallas Cowboys last week. Lampkin is a 5’11 290 290-pound offensive lineman who went undrafted out of North Carolina this year. Lampkin had the technical tools to be a high draft pick; however, his outlier size at the position left him undrafted. Another strong week for Lampkin could find him in the mix to make the LA Rams roster.

Willie Lampkin (5’11” 290) pancaking four Cowboys defenders in week 1 of preseason pic.twitter.com/pkbm7DoV86

— Brandon Thorn (@BrandonThornNFL) August 10, 2025

QB Sam Darnold, Seattle Seahawks

Darnold signed with the Seahawks this offseason after having an MVP campaign and a career revival with the Minnesota Vikings last season. The Vikings debated re-signing Darnold but ultimately decided to go with their rookie quarterback from last season, J.J. McCarthy. Seattle opted to trade Geno Smith this offseason to go with Darnold. So even though Darnold will be on his third team in three years, we’ll get to see if he can build on his career year.

QB Jaxson Dart, New York Giants

Outside of Shedeur Sanders, Dart was the best-looking rookie quarterback in the first week of preseason. Dart passed for 154 yards, throwing for one touchdown, and rushed for 24 yards. With another strong preseason performance, Dart can start building his case for being able to start sooner rather than later for the Giants.

QB Tyler Shough/ Spencer Rattler, New Orleans Saints

Both quarterbacks are battling for the QB1 job in New Orleans. Both played in week one of the preseason, and neither did enough to separate from the other. With another opportunity this week, we can start to see some separation in the battle.

WR Tetairoa McMillan, Carolina Panthers

McMillan was as advertised in week one of the preseason. The 2025 top-ten pick showed a good connection with quarterback Bryce Young, even on passes they slightly missed on. McMillan could easily be the top wide receiver for the Panthers this season as a rookie.

QB Daniel Jones/ Anthony Richardson, Indianapolis Colts

The Colts quarterback job has yet to be settled. Last week, both Jones and Richardson played, but Richardson took a big hit, which dislocated his finger. Colts coach Shane Steichen said Jones will get the start in the preseason game two, while Richardson will back him up and play as well.

QB Cam Ward, Tennessee Titans

Ward went 5-8 for 67 yards, which isn’t bad for the short amount of time the top pick in 2025 played. Ward will play again in week two, possibly longer, so the top pick can showcase more tools.

WR/CB Travis Hunter, Jacksonville Jaguars

Last week, the Jags gave us a glimpse of what we could expect from Hunter’s usage in 2025. Hunter played 11 snaps on offense and eight snaps on defense. Hunter is one of the most intriguing players in the NFL for 2025.

QB Dillon Gabriel, Cleveland Browns

Last week, Shedeur Sanders got the opportunity to start in the preseason and show what he could do. This week, Gabriel could have his chance to outduel Sanders with his playing time. Gabriel was taken two rounds before Sanders back in April, even though most believe Sanders was the better prospect. Gabriel will have a chance to state his case.