The 2025 NFL preseason is already serving up some pretty interesting storylines. We’ve got a crucial Dallas Cowboys offensive player easing injury worries, a rookie in Tampa Bay showing he fits right in, and a Cleveland Browns quarterback taking on one of his biggest critics. There’s definitely no limit to drama and excitement.
Jake Ferguson returns to Dallas Cowboys practice one day after back injury scare
When people start talking about Dallas Cowboys players trying to bounce back from injuries, quarterback Dak Prescott usually gets the most attention. But tight end Jake Ferguson is just as motivated to get back to his best in 2025. After a 2024 season where his numbers fell off following a Pro Bowl breakout in 2023, Ferguson showed up at camp eager to return to the nearly 800-yard player he was two seasons ago.On Thursday, things looked a bit shaky for that mission when Ferguson exited practice early after a hit from linebacker Kenneth Murray Jr. He reportedly had back spasms and spent some time with the training staff before leaving the field. When he spoke to the media on Friday, as per ESPN Ferguson mentioned that the scans showed no structural damage, just some bruising.“Once I had the reassurance it wasn’t anything structural, I can fight through pain. If I can go I’m going to go,” Ferguson told reporters after returning to practice the very next day.With standout wideouts CeeDee Lamb and the newly acquired George Pickens expected to attract a lot of defensive attention, Ferguson might just be the secret weapon in the passing game. His connection with Prescott has been obvious in earlier seasons, and the Dallas Cowboys will count on that when they begin their preseason against the Los Angeles Rams on Saturday night.
Emeka Egbuka shows ability to play outside and slot roles for Tampa Bay Buccaneers offense
In Tampa Bay, rookie wide receiver Emeka Egbuka is really stepping up to show he’s not just a first-round pick he could actually be a Week 1 starter. At Thursday’s joint practice with the Tennessee Titans, the ex-Ohio State standout put on a show that impressed both his teammates and coaches.During the 11-on-11 drills, Egbuka pulled in two standout deep-ball catches — one along the sideline and another where he clearly outmaneuvered Titans cornerback Clarence Lewis. He also went a perfect 3-for-3 in red zone and one-on-one situations, showing his precise route-running, fast releases, and strong grip.This opportunity popped up in part due to veteran Chris Godwin Jr. not being back at practice yet. After the session, head coach Todd Bowles lauded Egbuka’s mental sharpness, referring to him as “very smart” and “detail-oriented”.Egbuka’s skill to play both outside and in the slot offers Tampa Bay some great flexibility. If Godwin isn’t good to go for Week 1, the Buccaneers could look to the rookie to pair up with Mike Evans and contribute right off the bat. Considering how he performed against a defense he hadn’t faced before, Egbuka appears to be one of the early gems of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Shedeur Sanders directly challenges ESPN Cleveland radio host Tony Grossi
Shedeur Sanders, the rookie quarterback, had a memorable Friday night in Cleveland. In his first preseason game, the fifth-round pick (No. 144 overall) completed 14 out of 23 passes (61%) for 138 yards and threw two touchdowns, helping secure a 30-10 win over the Carolina Panthers. His performance was sharp and confident, especially considering that many, including ESPN Cleveland radio host Tony Grossi, referred to him as a ‘developmental quarterback.‘Sanders has been under fire for a while now, starting from his time at Colorado when his father, Deion Sanders, was the head coach. Detractors have often cited his impressive NIL earnings, his self-assured attitude, and the expectation that he would be drafted significantly higher as grounds for their skepticism. Grossi, in particular, has questioned Sanders’ readiness, even making fun of him for missing a training camp practice due to a sore arm.After Friday’s game, Sanders approached Grossi directly in the media area, with cameras from Well Off Media — the Sanders family’s social media channel — rolling.“Tony, I hope you have something positive to say about me,” Sanders said. “You always say negative stuff about me. And I’m like, I didn’t do nothing to you. I’ve never seen you say anything positive about me.”Grossi’s reply wasn’t captured clearly on the clip, but it drew a laugh from Sanders before he walked away. Later, Grossi acknowledged on air that Sanders was “outstanding” in his debut.For now, Sanders has given the Browns coaching staff — and even some of his detractors — reason to take him seriously as he fights for a spot on the quarterback depth chart.Also Read: 2025 NFL Preseason (08/08/25): New England Patriots vs Washington Commanders, how to watch, key players and moreThe preseason is basically a testing phase for veterans like Ferguson, new talents like Egbuka, and quarterbacks like Sanders who still have something to prove. Ferguson’s speedy recovery from a little injury scare is a big sigh of relief for the Cowboys, who are looking to bounce back from last year’s playoff disappointment.
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