NFL Wrap — Week Ending Sunday 23August 2026 · Preseason Week 2 delivers action across all 32 teams. George Kittle activated off PUP — 49ers ramp up for MCG. Christian McCaffrey returns to practice. Cowboys crush Cardinals 34-13. MCG game 3 weeks away.
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Preseason Week 2 played out across the weekend with all 32 teams in action for the first time. For Australian fans, the biggest news came out of San Francisco — where the 49ers activated tight end George Kittle off the PUP list ahead of the MCG Melbourne game and welcomed Christian McCaffrey back to practice. The Cowboys thumped the Cardinals 34-13 in a marquee Saturday matchup. And a preseason trade brought veteran linebacker Deion Jones to San Francisco. The MCG game is now just three weeks away. Here’s the state of the NFL for the week ending 24 August 2026.
The MCG story — Kittle returns, McCaffrey back at practice
Genuinely important MCG game news this week. The San Francisco 49ers activated tight end George Kittle off the Physically Unable to Perform list. Kittle has been recovering from a torn Achilles tendon suffered in January 2026, and the timing signals confidence the 49ers can have him game-ready for the Week 1 Rams matchup on Friday 11 September AEST at the MCG.
Christian McCaffrey also rejoined 49ers practice after a bout of calf tightness. Not a serious injury, but a reminder that at 30 years old with McCaffrey’s injury history, his availability is always something to monitor. Head coach Kyle Shanahan will manage his workload carefully in the remaining preseason.
Elsewhere in 49ers news: the team acquired veteran linebacker Deion Jones from the New Orleans Saints in exchange for running back Zamir White. Jones brings depth to a defensive front that had been dealing with injuries throughout camp.
Ricky Pearsall’s replacement plan continuing
After Pearsall’s season-ending PCL surgery, the 49ers signed veteran Deebo Samuel Sr. His integration into the offence continues through preseason. The 49ers’ WR rotation for the MCG game now looks like Mike Evans, Deebo Samuel Sr., De’Zhaun Stribling and George Kittle at TE.
Preseason Week 2 — key results and takeaways
Cowboys 34, Cardinals 13
The most notable result of the week. Dallas dominated Arizona in a Saturday preseason matchup, showing genuine offensive rhythm and defensive intensity. Dak Prescott and the Cowboys’ first-team offence looked in mid-season form. Arizona — playing without injured RB Bam Knight and with QB uncertainty around Jacoby Brissett — struggled to keep pace.
Rams — Puka Nacua sits out
Rams star wideout Puka Nacua remained out with a groin injury, though head coach Sean McVay described it as minor. Nacua may not play in Week 2 preseason as the Rams manage his readiness for the MCG game. His availability for Melbourne remains the key question for the Rams’ game plan.
Browns to name QB1 on Monday
The Cleveland Browns’ four-way quarterback battle is set to be decided. Head coach Todd Monken has indicated a Week 1 starter will be named this coming Monday (25 August). Deshaun Watson, Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel remain in contention.
Titans QB Cameron Ward improves
After a difficult Preseason Week 1, Titans QB Cameron Ward had a positive joint practice with the Seahawks. Head coach Robert Saleh said he had “no doubt” Ward would be capable. Sunday night’s Seahawks-Titans preseason game closes Week 2.
Injury news across the league
- George Kittle (49ers TE) — off PUP, on track for MCG game
- Christian McCaffrey (49ers RB) — back at practice from calf tightness
- Puka Nacua (Rams WR) — groin, may miss Week 2 preseason
- Tyler Biadasz (Chargers C) — season-ending IR
- Ashton Jeanty (Raiders RB) — practice injury, being evaluated
- Higgins (Texans WR) — placed on IR
- Jeremiyah Love (Cardinals rookie RB) — high ankle sprain, questionable for Week 1
Roster moves
- Deion Jones traded from Saints to 49ers for Zamir White
- Cowboys and Saints each fined $500K by NFL for unsportsmanlike behaviour at joint practice fights
- Various late-August roster cuts as teams prepare for the 53-man deadline
Countdown to the MCG
Three weeks until the historic 49ers vs Rams game at the MCG on Friday 11 September AEST. Preseason Week 3 begins this coming Friday.
| Date (AEST) | Event |
|---|---|
| Fri 29 August | Preseason Week 3 begins |
| Late August | Roster cuts to 53-man |
| Thu 10 September | NFL season opener: Seahawks vs Patriots on Channel 7 |
| Fri 11 September | 49ers vs Rams at the MCG — Channel 7 from 9:00am AEST |
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What’s next?
- Live US Sports TV Guide
- How to Watch NFL in Australia 2026 — updated with Seven Network coverage
- Previous NFL Wrap — 16 August 2026
All information accurate as of Sunday 24 August 2026 US time. All times AEST. Training camp news develops daily — ESPN and NFL.com track continuously. Mac Johannson covers US sports for Australian fans.
