Back to the Preseason Updates Landing Page.
One of the best and most comprehensive features we offer every year is our Footballguys Preseason Updates. Every week this month, Dave Kluge, Clayton Gray, and their team of Footballguys Staffers cover every player that matters from every NFL team. It's 32-plus pages of some of the most comprehensive coverage you'll find. It's probably worth the Footballguys Premium Subscription by itself.
Updates from Week 4
Preseason Updates: Quarterbacks
Patrick Mahomes II sat out the final preseason game, snapping a streak for the veteran signal-caller, but the decision made all the sense in the world less than a year removed from reconstructive knee surgery. Most importantly, Mahomes was fully cleared for camp practices weeks ago, and there is little concern over his Week 1 status. Rookie Garrett Nussmeier won't be Mahomes' direct backup anytime soon — Justin Fields is the clear No. 2 — but Nussmeier has stated his case for the long term with "his poise and ability to throw from and outside of the pocket," per SI.com's Tyler Brown.
Preseason Updates: Running Backs
"Number 9," Patrick Mahomes II fawned at the beginning of camp. "That's all I can say." There is no questioning new addition Ken Walker III's fit with his new team, as the preseason praise has been gushing, prepping observers for a more potent, dynamic, and overall dangerous backfield. "That change and the ability to catch, run, pass protect, do everything," Mahomes went on. "[He can] make a play out of nothing into a 20-yard gain." Walker was held out of the preseason finale, with the team citing a swollen ankle that does not appear to threaten his Week 1 status, and he figures to be featured from the jump — early downs, the screen game, the red zone — for as long as his body cooperates. Brashard Smith closed the preseason on a high note, dominating the backfield with 17 touches and adding a 57-yard kickoff return, but rookie Emmett Johnson looks more and more locked in as Walker's direct backup; Johnson looked quick, powerful, and versatile against Seattle, turning 7 rushes and 2 targets into 71 yards. He is the more traditional every-down backup, but Smith will stick as a gadget-play option with some third-down and red-zone roles as well. Emari Demercado did not make the final roster.
