NFL preseason Week 3: 5 things to watch

With the purpose of NFL preseason currently up for debate, it could be easy to forget it’s value. We take a look at 5 talking points from NFL preseason that will inform the season ahead.

5. Jacoby Brissett

While Andrew Luck might end up being healthy for Week 1, the Indianapolis Colts could be leaning on backup quarterback Jacoby Brissett. In short, Brissett’s performance is worth watching as Luck continues to deal with an ailing calf and ankle. With Indianapolis having Super Bowl expectations, Brissett’s ability might be the difference between staying alive early and being in an inescapable hole by Halloween should Luck not mend quickly.

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4. How do the rookie quarterbacks look?

With Drew Lock sidelined after spraining his thumb, we’re mostly looking at Daniel Jones, Kyler Murray and Dwayne Haskins. It’s highly unlikely Jones or Haskins start come Week 1, but how far along are they? As for Murray, he’s going to be the starter for the Arizona Cardinals unless he goes down with an injury. Does Murray have his best game yet? Wouldn’t hurt.

3. Who gets hurt?

With the starters playing through the first half in most cases and in some situations into the third quarter, injuries always crop up in the third week of the NFL preseason. It’s an unfortunate reality for the NFL, and it’s worth noting that we’ll probably see a couple of starters put on the shelf. Last week, it was New York Jets linebacker Avery Williamson playing into the second quarter who tore his ACL. Hopefully everyone gets out healthy, but football usually isn’t so kind.

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2. Will Jimmy Garoppolo bounce back?

Garoppolo finally made his preseason debut in Week 2 against the Denver Broncos, and it was hideous. The former New England Patriots backup threw six passes and completed two, albeit with one going to the other team. It was Garoppolo’s first appearance since tearing his ACL in Week 3 of last season against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium. So where does Garoppolo try to bounce back? At Arrowhead against the Chiefs, in … Week 3. Eerie.

1. Can Josh Rosen finally win the job?

The Miami Dolphins know they need to be starting Josh Rosen this season. After trading a second-round pick to acquire him from the Cardinals, Miami has a decent amount invested in the youngster. However, head coach Brian Flores has continuously put veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick ahead of the second-year man out of UCLA. If Rosen can’t finally earn the job, it says either the Dolphins truly believe he’s not a part of their future, or they have no clue what they’re doing.