NFL preseason Week 2 highlights

Week 2 of the preseason brings standout performances and a major trade rumor cycle around Cincinnati’s edge rushers.

NFL preseason Week 2 highlights and Bengals pass rushers trade chatter

Week 2 of the NFL preseason offered a mix of clean execution and standout moments across several teams. In Chicago, Caleb Williams guided the Bears to a 38-0 win over Bills backups, showing a smoother blend of play-action and timing. Seattle’s backups powered a 174-yard rushing day behind Klint Kubiak’s outside-zone scheme in a 33-16 victory over Kansas City. Ashton Jeanty flashed with a 33-yard run and a touchdown for the Raiders, while Cam Ward showed flashes for the Titans despite a modest stat line. The Colts highlighted Anthony Richardson’s arm talent with a clean 38-yard completion that was negated by a penalty, keeping the competition with Daniel Jones in view.

Back in Cincinnati, attention centered on Trey Hendrickson as trade discussions gain momentum. The Bengals reportedly seek a package that includes a future first-round pick and a young defender, but salary-cap realities and market conditions are complicating the process. In the midst of the chatter, Cincinnati’s young edge rusher Shemar Stewart is drawing buzz in camp, with coaches describing his early reps with the first team as a sign of real potential.

The Hendrickson talks reveal a classic NFL dilemma: win-now pressure versus long-term budgeting. Cincinnati appears willing to pay a premium for a quick defensive lift, but cap constraints and the risk of destabilizing the locker room loom large. If a deal goes through, the Bengals will depend on internal development to offset the loss of a veteran pass rusher. If not, they risk missing a window while a younger core grows.

Stewart’s emergence offers a practical counterweight. A strong showing in practice could translate into early-season pressure, reducing the need to rely on a veteran who may command a high salary. The coming weeks will show whether Cincinnati doubles down on youth or bets on an established defender to push for playoff readiness.

Highlights

The next chapter will test whether Cincinnati can balance ambition with budget realism and development needs.