2025 NFL preseason, Week 3: What We Learned from Saturday's games

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2025-08-23

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NFL.com breaks down what you need to know from Week 3 of the 2025 NFL preseason. Catch up on Saturday’s biggest takeaways using the links below:

Jeremy Bergman’s takeaways:

Ali-Johnson goes another round. The Ravens’ running back room is filling up, and Saturday’s preseason finale served as a showcase for the two ball-carriers most likely to take one of Baltimore’s remaining slots. Second-year RB Rasheen Ali and veteran D’Ernest Johnson squared off in D.C. on Saturday, going touch for touch with a roster spot on the line. Baltimore fed both the rock early, and each player displayed bounce and cutting ability en route to first-half touchdown runs. Their stat lines by day’s end: comparable. Ali tallied 14 touches (five catches) for 52 yards, and Johnson finished with 20 touches (all rushes but three) for 63 yards; Johnson and Myles Gaskin , the odd man out, saw more second-half work. Ali’s pass-catching ability may be the difference-maker … or neither player may make the roster. We’ll know the players’ fates by Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET.

Backup QB trouble in D.C.? Washington has some concerns behind Jayden Daniels under center. Marcus Mariota has been sidelined by Achilles tendinitis, and Sam Hartman is a turnover machine. In his second start of the season, Hartman had a hard time moving the ball against Baltimore backups. Save for a 52-yard catch and run from Colson Yankoff , Hartman was 11-of-16 passing for 62 yards with three turnovers (two picks, one fumble); those Baltimore takeaways turned into 13 points. Josh Johnson had the honors in the second half, finishing 7-of-13 passing for 50 yards and throwing a pick himself. Neither signal-caller moved the needle, but could Washington part ways with the second-year Hartman in favor of the more established and mobile Johnson come cutdown day?

Kevin Patra’s takeaways to come:

Eric Edholm’s takeaways to come:

Kevin Patra’s takeaways:

Lions rookie WR electric again. The Isaac TeSlaa hype train keeps on speeding down the track. For the third consecutive preseason tilt, the third-round pick found pay dirt. On Saturday, TeSlaa burned past Texans cornerback D’Angelo Ross and hauled in a perfect Kyle Allen parabola for a 33-yard score. Playing on the outside, the rookie made a solid move off the line, threw up late hands, and tapped his feet down the sideline without bobbling the ball as he went to the ground. Bonus points for a perfectly executed worm celebration. Each week, the rookie has displayed traits that will translate to the regular season. It’s notable that his TD came from the outside in the formation. That’s where he’ll find potential for more snaps. TeSlaa’s brand of size and speed made him an enticing prospect. His production in the preseason indicates he should have a role in 2025. How big a role, and whether he can push Tim Patrick for snaps, remains to be seen. Regardless, the Lions offense has yet another explosive piece.

RB problem in Houston? With Joe Mixon ’s lingering foot/ankle injury, the Texans’ backfield is worth checking in on. Nick Chubb , the presumptive starter if Mixon misses time, didn’t play Sunday. Dameon Pierce , who’s been dealing with a calf injury for most of the offseason, knocked off the rust. He generated 17 yards on seven carries behind the backup offensive line. Given how much he’s been out, the reps are more important than the production. The once-preseason darling gets what’s blocked. The more intriguing back on Saturday was rookie Woody Marks . The USC product displayed excellent vision, an ability to hit the hole, and the patience to let the blocking develop. He finished with 19 yards on six carries and a 9-yard TD run. Making Marks more interesting is his pass-catching ability. The back snagged all three of his targets for 20 yards. Depending on Mixon’s status, the fourth-round pick should push for reps. He could eventually take Pierce’s spot on the depth chart.