With only one week of preseason football remaining and the deadline to set the 53-man rosters around the league quickly approaching on Sunday, there is a lot to unpack from the last week in the NFL.
From the Cleveland Browns making a shocking QB1 decision and the Houston Texans trying to overcome an offensive setback to Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix finally returning to the field, here is what you should know in the NFL.
Deshaun Watson named QB1 for Browns
To the dismay of many, the Browns officially announced Watson as the team’s QB1 for the 2026 season on Monday. While a lot was expected from the 2017 first-round pick of the Texans when he entered the league, he has done anything but live up to the massive five-year, $230M contract with the Browns back in 2022.
Watson missed the entire 2025 season with an Achilles tear and was suspended 11 games in 2022 for violating the league’s personal-conduct policy after more than two dozen women came forward with sexual assault lawsuits, though those lawsuits were later settled.
Furthermore, at his news conference following Saturday’s preseason game against the Buffalo Bills — a game he ultimately finished a dismal 5-of-12 for 36 yards and an interception — Watson called out Browns fans for their “disrespectful” conduct.
While head coach Todd Monken’s recent comments suggest that second-year QB Shedeur Sanders will stick around as QB2, it may not be long until he is thrust into the starting role if Watson’s history is any indication.
Texans acquire Kayshon Boutte after Jayden Higgins injury
In addition to dealing with the uncertainty surrounding wide receiver Tank Dell’s return from a severe left knee injury, the Texans were dealt another blow after the second-year WR Higgins suffered a torn ACL during a joint practice with the Las Vegas Raiders on Aug. 18.
The 2025 second-round pick played the third-most snaps among Texans receivers last season and was tied with WR1 Nico Collins for a team-high six TDs. In light of the recent development, Houston acquired Boutte from the New England Patriots in exchange for safety Jaylen Reed and a draft pick.
Coming off consecutive seasons with at least 550 yards and nine total TDs, Boutte gives the Texans a clear second option to go with Collins while Dell continues to get back up to speed. If the production carries over, this could turn out to be a successful trade for Houston.
Bo Nix impresses in return to game action
For the first time since a broken ankle in Denver’s divisional-round win over the Bills kept him out of the AFC Championship Game, Nix returned to the field in the team’s preseason Week 2 loss to the Green Bay Packers and looked like he had not missed a beat.
Nix completed 6-of-9 passes for 76 yards and this 21-yard TD strike to RB RJ Harvey on Denver’s opening possession.