2026 NFL Preseason Week 2 Recap: Immediate fantasy football takeaways from Friday's games

Key Points:

• New York Jets rookie Omar Cooper Jr. has overtaken Isaiah Williams on the depth chart, starting with the first team and seeing snaps on the outside, signaling progress but still limited fantasy upside unless he plays more in 12 personnel sets.
• Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren started over Rico Dowdle in a rotating backfield during the preseason, but this rotation is unlikely to reflect the regular season usage, leaving their fantasy value unclear.
• Carolina Panthers' Jonathon Brooks is emerging as the likely Week 1 starter due to Chuba Hubbard's hamstring injury, playing nearly every snap with starters and sharing some passing-down duties with Trevor Etienne.
• Denver Broncos' new wide receiver Jaylen Waddle debuted with the starters but played only one drive, while tight end Evan Engram saw increased snaps, suggesting a potential larger role under new offensive coordinator Davis Webb.
• Green Bay Packers' MarShawn Lloyd appears to be the lead backup running back, playing more early-down snaps than Chris Brooks, who is favored for third-down work, though the backfield situation could change before the regular season.