Week 2 of NFL preseason spotlighted former Trojans staking their claims in the league. Caleb Williams flashed in his first action, delivering a 36-yard TD to Olamide Zaccheaus after a six-completion, 31-yard day, signaling development and upside in Chicago’s depth chart. Brandon Pili plugged a big Seahawks play, pulling down Elijah Mitchell for a safety and illustrating his roster bubble case on a team hungry for pass protection and upside depth.

Woody Marks emerged after a rocky opener, grinding out 40 yards on seven carries and occasionally sharing a backfield with Kedon Slovis, who has bounced through Pitt and BYU after USC. Isaiah Pola-Mao stiffened the Raiders’ secondary with four tackles, while Tahj Washington offered a tantalizing blend of pace and versatility for Miami. Olamide Zaccheaus connected with Williams for a key long play, hinting at chemistry to monitor as rosters tighten.

Kedon Slovis’ Texans and these backs and defensive backs are all on watch lists as teams trim rosters, evaluate depth, and project roles for Week 1. The overarching throughline is clear: veterans mixing with roster bubbles are setting the stage for fantasy decision-making, especially at quarterback and skilled positions. Expect continued shifts as final preseason games refine rotations and potential Week 1 bets come into sharper focus.

Tua Tagovailoa opened Miami’s preseason drive with clean efficiency, finishing 5-of-6 for 27 yards as the Dolphins moved 15 plays against Chicago’s backups. A Bears goal-line stand kept Miami from scoring on its first possession, but the night belonged to the QB depth charts, with Zach Wilson and Quinn Ewers delivering three straight TD drives and a 56-yard field goal by Jason Sanders to tie the game late at 24.

Chicago’s defense dominated Johnson’s debut, racking six sacks, including three by Austin Booker, and forcing a turnover on a strip-sack near the goal line that set up a Keenum-to-Hankins TD. Ewers connected on a 21-yard play to Mattison and a late score by rookie Ollie Gordon to swing the lead, while Wilson came back to connect with Nick Westbrook-Ikhine and Tahj Washington for sustained drives. The showcase elevated depth-chart chatter and fantasy optimism for Miami’s backup quarterbacks.

Miami took a deliberate step in the 2025 preseason, letting Tua Tagovailoa start and rolling out most of the 1st‑team offense. The change from last year’s approach is meant to sharpen Week 1 readiness, not to chase a win in August. Tagovailoa’s opening drive progress and the emergence of Malik Washington and Tahj Washington against Chicago’s reserve defense suggest the Dolphins are prioritizing game‑like tempo, timing, and a deeper receiver mix rather than just reps for the sake of rep counts.

Special teams and run‑game concepts drew positive notes, while short‑yardage struggles underscored why depth and execution still matter. The day produced good, bad, and uncertain signs—injuries to Mattison and Campbell loom; backup QBs Wilson and Ewers showed inconsistency; but the overall tone is that this version of Miami intends to be readier on Day 1, with one more preseason appearance likely for starters.

Miami opens its preseason slate at Chicago with plenty of roster intrigue. Six areas stand out: fringe special teams players who can carve a spot, the battle for the Dolphins fifth receiver, an unsettled cornerback group, offensive line depth questions, backup QB opportunities, and veteran pushback for a roster spot. Expect rookies and fringe players to get meaningful reps as starters rest.

Key special-team contenders include Dee Eskridge and Cameron Goode, with undrafted options like Monaray Baldwin generating curiosity. The crowd for the fifth receiver spot features Eskridge, Tahj Washington, Theo Wease Jr., and Andrew Armstrong, plus others in camp. The cornerback room remains fluid after offseason changes, with Ethan Bonner and undrafted BJ Adams in the mix while Isaiah Johnson stays in the conversation.

On the line, Germain Ifedi, Daniel Brunskill, Josh Priebe, Addison West and swing-tackle contenders will get opportunities to prove depth behind the starters. Quinn Ewers will get reps behind Tua Tagovailoa, who may or may not see action, while the backup plan at quarterback remains unsettled. Veterans Cam Smith, Channing Tindall, Tanner Conner and Erik Ezukanma will be aiming to reaffirm their spots in a game where jobs are on the line.

The Miami Dolphins are evaluating their rookie class for the first time under head coach Mike McDaniel. After limited draft picks in previous years, the team made significant selections this offseason, including edge rusher Chop Robinson and offensive tackle Patrick Paul.

Robinson is showing promise with his pass rush despite not yet recording a sack, while Paul recently made his first career start. Running back Jaylen Wright has also impressed, leading the team in rushing yards in a recent game.