Two weeks into the NFL preseason, we're starting to get answers on the biggest position battles with final roster cuts coming up on August 27.

Every team has competition across the roster. Rookies, both drafted and undrafted, are trying to make names for themselves. Veterans who may be on the roster bubble have to fend off younger players for key positions.

We've looked through training camp reports and monitored preseason rotations to highlight the most important position battle for each team.

Keep in mind that the premier battle takes the position-premium scale into account. For example, competition among potential starting edge-rushers is more critical than a running back battle with so many two-man backfields leaguewide.

Arizona Cardinals: Cornerback

Contenders: Max Melton, Elijah Jones, Starling Thomas V, Kei'Trel Clark

The Arizona Cardinals signed Sean Murphy-Bunting to a three-year, $22.5 million deal, so he's a lock to start with that contract. With Garrett Williams likely to man the slot position, the Cardinals must tab another starter on the boundary.

Arizona selected Melton and Jones in back-to-back rounds of this year's draft.

Between the two rookies, Melton has a better chance to start because of his aggressive play style and ball skills. Over his last three years at Rutgers, he registered eight interceptions. With his 4.39 speed, Melton can bait quarterbacks into throwing passes and break on the ball to snag interceptions.

Jones committed a costly penalty and gave up a big play in a rough outing against the New Orleans Saints in the Cardinals' preseason opener.

Last year, Thomas and Clark started in seven games apiece, but they both struggled in coverage, allowing 131 and 113.1 passer ratings, respectively. The former also surrendered five touchdowns.

Arizona probably names Melton a starter in hopes that he can force some turnovers.

Atlanta Falcons: Cornerback

Contenders: Mike Hughes, Clark Phillips III

Amna Subhan of the Atlanta Falcons' official website highlighted the cornerback battle as a "two-man race" after mandatory minicamp, and that seems to be the case.

Both contenders sat out of the Falcons' matchup with the Baltimore Ravens last Saturday.

Nonetheless, head coach Raheem Morris told reporters that Hughes lined up as the primary cover man opposite A.J. Terrell on the boundary at practices.

To start the upcoming campaign, Atlanta may prefer Hughes, a seventh-year pro, over Phillips, who's going into his second term. The coaching staff could also move Phillips into the slot along with Dee Alford.

Hughes entered the league as a first-rounder out of UCF and battled injuries early in his career. Now healthy, he could be a decent starter in the secondary.

Baltimore Ravens: Right Tackle

Contenders: Patrick Mekari, Roger Rosengarten

The Baltimore Ravens lost three starting offensive linemen this offseason. They allowed guards John Simpson and Kevin Zeitler to walk in free agency and traded right tackle Morgan Moses to the New York Jets.

Because quality tackles are paid at a higher premium than high-end guards, Moses' replacement will likely have a bigger impact on the successes or failures of the Ravens' new-look offensive line.

The Ravens selected Rosengarten in the second round of this year's draft, which highlighted their urgency to fill a key position within a group that will be responsible for protecting two-time MVP Lamar Jackson and opening lanes for new running back Derrick Henry.

Last Saturday against the Falcons, Rosengarten started at right tackle while Mekari moved to center in place of Tyler Linderbaum, who's nursing a neck injury.

Rosengarten put together strong preseason performances. While he starts at right tackle, the Ravens can use Mekari's versatility to plug holes anywhere else on the offensive line.

Buffalo Bills: Wide Receiver

Contenders: Keon Coleman, Curtis Samuel, Khalil Shakir

The Buffalo Bills traded Stefon Diggs to the Houston Texans, drafted Coleman and signed multiple veterans to revamp their wide receiver room.

While the Bills don't need to label any of their receivers the No. 1 guy, someone will probably emerge as Josh Allen's top pass-catcher. Coleman, Samuel and Shakir all have pathways to see the most targets.

Based on Coleman's second-round draft pedigree, he's expected to make immediate contributions.

Samuel had his most productive campaign in play-caller Joe Brady's 2020 Carolina Panthers offense, registering 77 receptions for 851 yards and three touchdowns. Because of his inside-outside versatility, he has a chance to lead the team in several receiving categories if a turf toe injury doesn't cost him playing time.

Shakir has a two-year rapport with Allen. Last season, he hauled in 39 out of 45 targets for 611 yards and two touchdowns. As a catch-and-run threat with 4.43 speed, Shakir could be one of the league leaders in yards after the catch (YAC) with an increased target share.

At 6'4", 215 pounds, Coleman can be an immediate red-zone threat. He should also be able to rack up big plays between the 20-yard lines with Allen's big arm stretching the field.

Carolina Panthers: Cornerback

Contenders: Dane Jackson, Dicaprio Bootle, Chau Smith-Wade

The Carolina Panthers have a painfully thin cornerback group, especially considering Jaycee Horn's injury history.

Carolina signed Jackson to a two-year deal, and he may have been in line to start on the outside. Unfortunately, head coach Dave Canales told reporters that Jackson suffered a "significant" hamstring injury and could miss up to six weeks of action.

The Panthers missed out on Stephon Gilmore, who signed with the Minnesota Vikings. So they may roll with Brown because of his experience.

Anthony Brown could've provided veteran presence, but the Panthers placed him on injured reserve.

Unless Carolina turns to the free-agent market, Bootle, a holdover from last year, is the top contender for the job. As a rookie fifth-rounder, Smith-Wade has an outside shot to start if he finishes the offseason on a strong note.

Chicago Bears: Right Guard

Contenders: Nate Davis, Ryan Bates, Matt Pryor

The Chicago Bears must protect rookie starting quarterback Caleb Williams. They're likely set at tackle with Braxton Jones on the left and Darnell Wright on the right. Teven Jenkins made strides since he moved from tackle to guard before the 2022 term.

The Bears added a couple of offensive linemen to shore up the interior. Coleman Shelton, who has started in 30 games at center with the Los Angeles Rams over the previous two terms, looks primed to play that position in Week 1.

Chicago acquired Bates from the Buffalo Bills. He's battling an undisclosed injury, so Davis could retain his spot from the previous campaign.

Last Saturday, the Bears rolled out Davis over Pryor with the first-team offense. Davis may have the edge over Pryor who's on his third team in three years.

However, Davis' recent preseason struggles leave the door open for Bates to take the job once he returns to action.

Cincinnati Bengals: Cornerback

Contenders: DJ Turner II, Dax Hill

The Cincinnati Bengals have a tight cornerback battle between Turner and Hill, two recent top-60 picks from recent draft classes.

In Week 2 of the preseason, the Bengals sat most of their starters, but they allowed Turner and Hill to continue their competition despite less-than-ideal field conditions.

This offseason, Hill has made the transition from safety to cornerback after an impressive campaign, logging 110 tackles, six for loss, 1.5 sacks, 11 pass breakups and two interceptions.

According to The Athletic's Paul Dehner Jr., Hill has gained momentum and took first-team reps before the Bears matchup.

"Hill played extremely well in his first game at outside corner and is running neck and neck with Turner," Dehner wrote. "Hill even took over first-team reps on Monday."

Hill's transition and rise may be what the Bengals need to improve their 28th-ranked pass defense from the 2023 season.

Cleveland Browns: Defensive Tackle

Contenders: Shelby Harris, Ogbo Okoronkwo, Maurice Hurst II, Mike Hall Jr.

When you factor in Dalvin Tomlinson's stint on the PUP list following knee surgery, the Cleveland Browns can divvy up the snaps on the interior of their defensive line in a variety of ways.

Last year under play-caller Jim Schwartz, Harris and Okoronkwo both played at 42 percent of the snaps, though the former made seven starts compared to zero for the latter. As a backup, Hurst took the field for about 29 percent of the snaps.

At 33 years old, Harris could lead the defensive tackle group in snaps this year. Okoronkwo is capable of a breakout campaign in the pass rush with an expanded workload. Over the last two years, he's logged 9.5 sacks and 29 pressures.

The Browns selected Hall in the second round of this year's draft, but his arrest on a misdemeanor domestic violence charge clouds his short-term outlook. The accuser has recanted part of the claims.

If Tomlinson doesn't return before Week 1, Harris should have a big role in a deep rotation. Okoronkwo could have the most impact on the interior pass rush though.

Dallas Cowboys: Center

Contenders: Cooper Beebe, Brock Hoffman

The Dallas Cowboys lost two starters along the offensive line: left tackle Tyron Smith and center Tyler Biadasz.

While rookie first-rounder Tyler Guyton doesn't have strong competition for the left tackle spot, Beebe will attempt to transition from a versatile guard-tackle prospect to a starting rookie center.

Beebe's inexperience hasn't slowed his development though.

"It's become second nature," Beebe said to reporters. "I just know that unless they say something to me, it was a good snap. I really don't worry about it anymore."

Last season, Hoffman started in two games at center, but the Cowboys may want to see if they're able to tap into Beebe's potential. As a rookie third-rounder, Beebe's impressive preseason play will likely help him win the job.

Denver Broncos: Cornerback

Contenders: Riley Moss, Damarri Mathis

Now that the Denver Broncos have named Bo Nix their starting quarterback, they can focus on the cornerback position opposite All-Pro-Pro Bowl starter Patrick Surtain II.

Denver signed Levi Wallace, but he's missed significant time with a hamstring injury, leaving Moss and Mathis in a battle for the open spot.

Last year, Mathis started in six out of 17 games. He struggled throughout the campaign, allowing a 128.4 passer rating and three touchdowns in coverage. Consequently, the coaching staff may prefer a player on the ascent.

Head coach Sean Payton spoke glowingly about Moss' technique and his length in coverage via SI.com's Keith Cummings.

"I'd say the one thing that he does exceptionally well is he phases the receivers well. So it's hard—you don't see him out of position. He's longer than you think and so the ball is contested if it's caught. You've earned it. His length and transition—at Iowa, they played a lot of quarters and his eyes were inside a lot…To see him now in some of the other defenses maybe that you didn't have film on in college, I'd say his technique is good, he's long and I'd say he has really good instincts."

The Broncos selected Moss in the third round of last year's draft, and he played 23 defensive snaps. Entering his second year, Moss seems primed to take on a full-time starting role.

Detroit Lions: Nickelback

Contenders: Amik Robertson, Ennis Rakestraw Jr., Ifeatu Melifonwu

The Detroit Lions revamped their cornerback room with several additions, which created some competition on the outside and in the slot. Carlton Davis and rookie first-rounder Terrion Arnold will likely man the boundary positions.

Detroit signed Robertson in free agency and selected Rakestraw in the second round of this year's draft. Defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn can also deploy a big nickel look with Melifonwu who has experience playing cornerback and safety.

Robertson has experience on the boundary and in the slot. The Lions have experimented with Rakestraw in the same fashion.

Robertson had an up-and-down four-year run with the Las Vegas Raiders and made moderate strides over the last two years. However, the Lions may trust Melifonwu more in the big nickel formation coming off his best season, registering 33 tackles, four for loss, three sacks, two interceptions and eight pass breakups.

Green Bay Packers: Safety

Contenders: Javon Bullard, Evan Williams, Anthony Johnson Jr.

You can write Xavier McKinney's name in pen for one of the safety spots. The Green Bay Packers let Darnell Savage walk in free agency, which opens up the spot next to McKinney.

The Packers drafted Bullard and Williams in the second and fourth rounds, respectively.

At training camp, Williams has forced several turnovers. Because of that, he may earn early snaps at safety, though The Athletic's Matt Schneidman believes Bullard will win the battle.

Johnson suited up for 12 games (four starts) under former Packers defensive coordinator Joe Barry last year. He had a solid rookie term, allowing a 66.8 passer rating in coverage, but new defensive play-caller Jeff Hafley may favor one of the rookies whom he likely vouched for in predraft discussions.

Regardless of who wins the job, Green Bay has a trio of young athletic defenders to complement McKinney.

Houston Texans: Defensive Tackle

Contenders: Mario Edwards Jr., Tim Settle, Khalil Davis

Typically, NFL teams rotate a handful of interior defensive linemen, which dilutes the importance of who starts the game.

However, the Texans have an intriguing situation at defensive tackle because they traded Maliek Collins to the San Francisco 49ers, and Denico Autry will serve a six-game suspension for violating the league's performance-enhancing drug policy.

Houston will have two new starters on the interior of its defensive line. Folorunso Fatukasi has started in 44 contests over the last three years with the Jacksonville Jaguars and New York Jets.

As a roster holdover, Edwards could take on most of the snaps alongside Fatukasi. Settle is a career backup who has started in six games in six years. He's currently dealing with a calf injury.

Keep an eye on Davis. Houston re-signed him after he put together his most productive pro campaign, logging 32 tackles, six for loss, and two sacks while on the field for just 41 percent of the defensive snaps.

Indianapolis Colts: Wide Receiver

Contenders: Alec Pierce, Adonai Mitchell

In two seasons, Pierce has started in 28 out of 33 games, hauling in 73 passes for 1,107 yards and four touchdowns.

Pierce has shown that he can stretch the field for big plays, though he's been inconsistent in conjunction with the instability at quarterback.

Last season, Pierce only played four games with quarterback Anthony Richardson who underwent season-ending surgery last October. He could lose a significant number of targets to Mitchell who can also make big plays downfield.

The Colts selected Mitchell in the second round of this year's draft, and general manager Chris Ballard passionately defended the rookie who drew criticism from unnamed sources.

Behind wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr., Mitchell may be able to surpass Pierce for the second-most targets while second-year wide receiver Josh Downs nurses an ankle injury.

Jacksonville Jaguars: Cornerback

Contenders: Ronald Darby, Jarrian Jones

The Jacksonville Jaguars hired defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen to replace Mike Caldwell. They also allowed Darious Williams to walk in free agency, which opened up a spot on the boundary.

The Jaguars signed Darby and selected Jones in the third round of the 2024 draft.

Darby has 10 years of NFL experience, but he's battled injuries throughout his career. Darby isn't a high-impact defender who consistently makes game-changing plays. Over the last three years, he's recorded 16 pass breakups without an interception.

Darby can be a solid placeholder in a starting role. Though Jones has built up his confidence in the offseason, he may not be ready to start right away.

Even if Darby starts on the boundary because of his experience, his recent injury history suggests that he could struggle to play through a full season. Between 2021 and 2022, Darby missed 18 games.

Kansas City Chiefs: Cornerback

Contenders: Joshua Williams, Jaylen Watson

Technically, the Kansas City Chiefs' most important battle is left tackle, but based on offensive line coach Andy Heck's recent comments about Wanya Morris battling Lucas Niang, rookie second-rounder Kingsley Suamataia may already have the job.

According to The Athletic's Nate Taylor, no one stood out to lead the competition for the No. 2 cornerback position.

"Let's all remember that a major reason the Chiefs traded L'Jarius Sneed to the Tennessee Titans in the offseason is because Reid and Veach felt the team still had three capable starters in McDuffie, Williams and Watson. Well, McDuffie has been excellent in camp. The problem is no one has made a strong argument to be the second starting cornerback."

Last season, Watson saw the field more than Williams, though the latter fared a lot better in coverage. Watson allowed a 103.6 passer rating and four touchdowns while Williams allowed an 82.7 passer rating and two touchdowns.

If the Chiefs go with a default choice in an uninspiring battle, Williams may get the nod because he had a better year in 2023.

Las Vegas Raiders: Right Tackle

Contenders: Thayer Munford Jr., DJ Glaze

Now that we know Gardner Minshew will start over Aidan O'Connell at quarterback, let's focus on another head-to-head battle that emerged over the past couple of weeks at training camp.

Last year, Munford rotated with Jermaine Eluemunor at right tackle and filled in for left tackle Kolton Miller. Eluemunor signed with the New York Giants in free agency, which left Munford as the front-runner to take over the job at right tackle.

However, the Las Vegas Raiders selected Glaze in the third round of this year's draft, and according to The Athletic's Tashan Reed, the rookie's performances have created a competition for the right tackle spot.

"Offensive tackle Thayer Munford returned to practice Thursday after missing Wednesday's session due to an injury to his right hand. He also hurt his left hand during practice last month, but he can't afford to miss much time as he has found himself in an unexpected competition with rookie DJ Glaze for the starting job at right tackle."

If Munford's hand injuries limit him in the next couple of weeks, the Raiders may feel comfortable with Glaze at right tackle.

Los Angeles Chargers: Wide Receiver

Contenders: Quentin Johnston, DJ Chark

The Los Angeles Chargers parted ways with Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, which turned their receiver room upside down.

The Chargers selected Ladd McConkey in the second round of the draft, and Joshua Palmer has a three-year rapport with quarterback Justin Herbert. They're locked into two positions in three-receiver sets (11 personnel).

According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, the Chargers have "major plans" for Johnston.

However, as Fowler noted, Johnston has continued to struggle with drops at camp. Even though he's a first-round pick from last year, Chark may be more efficient as a deep threat.

Over the last two years, Chark has hauled in 65 passes for 1,027 yards and eight touchdowns. In each of the previous three terms, he's averaged at least 15 yards per catch.

Los Angeles Rams: Safety

Contenders: Quentin Lake, John Johnson III, Kamren Kinchens

Last offseason, the Los Angeles Rams brought Johnson back for his second stint. In his first four years with the team, he started in 48 out of 54 contests as a versatile safety who also lined up in the slot.

Johnson returned to a semi-starting role but still provided the same versatility at both safety spots and in nickel formation.

This year, the Rams selected Kinchens in the third round of the draft. With 11 interceptions in his last two terms at Miami and some praise from head coach Sean McVay, he'll probably play a sizeable role in the regular season.

The Athletic's Jourdan Rodrigue tabbed Lake as the nickelback-star defender. So, Johnson and Kinchens may have a one-on-one battle for the safety spot alongside Kamren Curl.

Miami Dolphins: Edge-Rusher

Contenders: Emmanuel Ogbah, Chop Robinson, Quinton Bell

Miami Dolphins starting edge-rushers Bradley Chubb (torn ACL) and Jaelan Phillips (torn Achilles) suffered season-ending injuries. Shaquil Barrett retired before the start of training camp.

Though Miami has activated Phillips off the physically unable to perform list, someone has to fill in for Chubb who's still recovering from injury.

The Miami Herald's Omar Kelly doesn't believe Robinson is ready to make an impact.

"Dolphins fans have their fingers crossed that Chop Robinson, the team's first round pick, is ready to become a day one starter, and star. But based on his early showing in camp that seems to be a far-fetched dream. While Robinson's first step is a game changer, and gives Miami's offensive linemen troubles regularly, he's easily blocked. And not just by offensive linemen. He's been Metrorailed downfield by tight ends more than would be ideal, which raises concerns about his ability to set the edge."

Ogbah would be the safe choice for the starting job. He's had his best seasons with the Dolphins, logging 114 tackles, 19 for loss, 24.5 sacks, 99 pressures and five forced fumbles over the last four years with the team.

Nonetheless, Bell has generated buzz as an under-the-radar camp standout who could play a big role on the edge this year.

Minnesota Vikings: Tight End

Contenders: Josh Oliver, Robert Tonyan, Johnny Mundt

The Minnesota Vikings will probably find an in-house replacement to start in place of T.J. Hockenson, who's recovering from a torn ACL.

Minnesota hasn't revealed a firm timetable for Hockenson's return yet. So, the temporary starter could get several weeks with the first-team offense led by quarterback Sam Darnold.

Last offseason, the Vikings signed Oliver to a three-year, $21 million deal. He's most likely to take on an expanded role in Hockenson's absence.

Nonetheless, Tonyan is more of a pass-catching threat than Oliver and Mundt with 148 receptions for 1,549 yards and 17 touchdowns in six seasons.

Based on the game plan, either Oliver or Tonyan could take the field for the first snap with the offense. The former played 42 percent of the team's offensive snaps in the previous campaign.

New England Patriots: Quarterback

Contenders: Jacoby Brissett, Drake Maye

After the New England Patriots' second preseason game, head coach Jerod Mayo told reporters that the quarterback battle will continue with more time to evaluate the contenders.

"You know, we have three more days of training camp practices, and it's our job as coaches to evaluate, and the competition isn't over. They're still gonna go out there, and they have to show not only, you know, themselves and their coaches, but their teammates. So it's definitely still a competition."

Brissett didn't complete a pass in the first preseason game, and he threw an interception in the last outing. Meanwhile, Maye saw limited action in the Patriots' preseason opener and had some flashes in the second contest.

Though Maye has made progress, he may not have done enough to unseat Brissett from the pole position. The Patriots probably start the veteran quarterback while they develop Maye as the primary backup.

New Orleans Saints: Wide Receiver

Contenders: A.T. Perry, Cedrick Wilson Jr.

In the second half of the 2023 season, Perry worked his way into the wide receiver rotation as a rookie sixth-rounder out of Wake Forest. He finished with 12 catches for 246 yards and four touchdowns.

Perry didn't carry that momentum into the spring. New Orleans Saints head coach Dennis Allen gave an honest assessment of him back in June.

"He's still got a long way to go," Allen told reporters. "That's what we're seeing. We're seeing a guy that's got talent, has shown signs of being a playmaker, and has shown signs of inconsistency."

Perry caught four passes for 85 yards in the Saints' first preseason game and followed up with two catches for 24 yards in the previous outing against the San Francisco 49ers.

Wilson had a couple of quiet preseason performances, hauling in one catch in both contests. In his first year with the Saints, he may need more reps with the quarterbacks to make a bigger impact.

Perry has responded well to Allen's public comments, and he could have a big role in three-receiver sets if Rashid Shaheed remains out for an extended period with a foot (or toe) injury.

New York Giants: Cornerback

Contenders: Cor'Dale Flott, Nick McCloud

The New York Giants haven't re-signed Adoree' Jackson, which leaves a vacancy opposite Deonte Banks on the perimeter.

According to The Athletic's Charlotte Carroll, Flott and McCloud have rotated on the boundary in recent practices.

"The Giants didn't get a starting cornerback who could play opposite Banks in the draft or free agency, so the position has rotated between Flott and McCloud," Carroll wrote.

Carroll also noted that Dru Phillips is the mix for the slot cornerback job once he returns from an ankle injury.

Flott, a 2022 third-rounder, has an edge over McCloud in starting experience with the team, though keep in mind the Giants parted ways with Don "Wink" Martindale and hired Shane Bowen to replace him. Bowen may have a much different philosophy for the defense.

Yet with 13 solid starts over the last two years, Flott looks like the probable starter over McCloud, who's a few years older and may have less upside.

New York Jets: Wide Receiver

Contenders: Mike Williams, Allen Lazard

The New York Jets' wide receiver battle for the No. 2 spot likely comes down to Williams' availability.

Last September, Williams tore his ACL. The Jets activated him off the physically unable to perform list in the first week of August, but he's still uncertain about his Week 1 status.

"I guess we've got to see," Williams said to reporters when asked about the realistic possibility that he suits up for the Jets' season opener.

When Williams takes the field, he'll be a big-play threat in the passing game. He's averaging 15.6 yards per reception.

That being said, Lazard has a rapport with quarterback Aaron Rodgers that dates back to their five years together (2018-2022) in Green Bay.

Lazard wins the battle, and the Jets ease Williams into the receiver rotation.

Philadelphia Eagles: Cornerback

Contenders: Quinyon Mitchell, Cooper DeJean, Isaiah Rodgers, Kelee Ringo

At the beginning of training camp, Philadelphia Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio told reporters that cornerback, inside linebacker and "maybe" edge-rusher have the most competition.

After James Bradberry IV's disastrous finish to the 2023 season–he's transitioned to safety–the Eagles overhauled the cornerback room.

Philadelphia selected Mitchell and DeJean in the first two rounds of the draft. The league reinstated Rodgers, who served a yearlong suspension for violating the gambling policy. Ringo, who's a second-year pro, is also in the mix.

To begin the season, Rodgers, who started in nine games with the Indianapolis Colts for the 2022 campaign, could get the nod because of his recent starting experience.

Mitchell has taken a lot of snaps in the slot, and DeJean made his first appearance at training camp last week.

The Eagles selected Mitchell in the first round of this year's draft. With that much invested in him, Philadelphia should eventually start the rookie opposite Darius Slay.

Pittsburgh Steelers: Quarterback

Contenders: Russell Wilson, Justin Fields

While some may argue that the Pittsburgh Steelers don't have an open quarterback competition, head coach Mike Tomlin told reporters that the battle between Wilson and Fields will ramp up in the coming weeks.

"It's probably in the same place that I've described it throughout the spring and the summer. Both guys are vying for the role. Russ has pole position because of the collective body of work, the totality of the body of work that he brings into the circumstance. Both guys are new to us. We're getting an opportunity to get to know them through this process. It's been a great process. Now that Russ has full health, it's going to heat up over the next couple of weeks, and I'm excited about watching it happen."

Wilson missed multiple training camp practices because of a calf injury. He made his Steelers' preseason debut in Week 2 against the Buffalo Bills, completing eight out of 10 passes for 47 yards. Fields went 11 of 17 passing for 92 yards and rushed for 42 yards.

Fields would likely have to significantly outperform Wilson to take the job, Aside from a couple of botched snaps in the Steelers' first preseason game, he's had solid outings.

Wilson will likely open the season as the Steelers' starting quarterback, but he will have to look over his shoulder if he struggles early in the campaign.

San Francisco 49ers: Right Guard

Contenders: Spencer Burford, Dominick Puni

In a transition from a college tackle to guard, Burford has started in 29 out of 30 contests over the last two years.

Though Burford opened the 2023 season in the starting right guard spot, Jon Feliciano took over the position in the second half of the campaign, and he re-signed with the team in March.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters that Feliciano underwent knee surgery and will likely go on injured reserve. Burford is also out because of a broken hand.

Because of the injuries at guard, Puni, a rookie third-rounder, has taken quality first-team reps.

Unless Burford returns to regain the starting right guard position, the 49ers will likely continue to roll with Puni in that spot going into the regular season.

Seattle Seahawks: Right Guard

Contenders: Anthony Bradford, Christian Haynes

In his second year with the Seattle Seahawks, Bradford seemed to have a stronghold on the starting right guard position until the previous week of practices.

ESPN's Brady Henderson noted an "apparent shift" in the battle when Haynes started working with the starters and performed well, while Bradford lined up with the second team.

Perhaps head coach Mike MacDonald wanted to see how the rookie would fare against starters to better evaluate the contenders for the right guard position.

"I always said from the beginning, it's competition," MacDonald said via Henderson. "So I wanted to see what Christian could do with the ones."

Seattle turned over its coaching staff, so Bradford doesn't have an edge in familiarity with the system. Haynes could benefit from the team's decision to shake up its coaching ranks.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Nickelback

Contenders: Christian Izien, Tykee Smith

Izien is the incumbent after an impressive 2023 campaign. As an undrafted rookie out of Rutgers, he recorded 14 pass breakups and two interceptions while allowing an 83.5 passer rating and one touchdown in coverage.

Yet the Tampa Bay Buccaneers added competition for the slot position, taking Smith in the third round of this year's draft.

With collegiate experience at cornerback and safety, Smith is an intriguing addition to the secondary. As a quick-trigger run defender with coverage skills, he could push for snaps in a rotational role this year. Smith may also see playing time if Izien can't shake off a leg injury.

Even if Smith doesn't earn a spot in the nickel package, he can serve as a plug-and-play option at either safety spot if Antoine Winfield Jr. or Jordan Whitehead battle injuries.

Because of his versatility, Smith may develop into a playmaker similar to Winfield on the back end of the Buccaneers defense.

Tennessee Titans: Right Tackle

Contenders: Nicholas Petit-Frere, Jaelyn Duncan

The Tennessee Titans bolstered their offensive line with the addition of center Lloyd Cushenberry III and rookie first-rounder JC Latham, but they still have a big question mark at right tackle.

Petit-Frere struggled through his 2022 rookie campaign. Last season, he only appeared in three outings because the league suspended him for violating the gambling policy and due to injury.

The Titans activated Petit-Frere off the physically unable to perform list in the first week of August. Perhaps he knocks off the rust to reclaim the starting right tackle spot, but his absence opens the door for Duncan to win the job.

In 2023, Duncan started in five out 10 games, but he mostly lined up on the left side. Barring a late offseason pickup or a trade, Petit-Frere may have one more year to show that he's a long-term starter at tackle in Tennessee.

Washington Commanders: Left Tackle

Contenders: Cornelius Lucas, Brandon Coleman

On Monday, the Washington Commanders named Jayden Daniels their starting quarterback, which isn't a surprise considering his impressive performances at camp and into the preseason.

Who's going to protect Daniel's blind side?

Washington should go with an experienced veteran rather than a rookie to fill that crucial position. Lucas has 10 years of experience with 47 career starts.

Unless Coleman shakes off a couple of minor injuries and looks far better than Lucas at practice, the Commanders probably plug in the well-seasoned tackle to protect their potential franchise quarterback.

Lucas starts Week 1 and perhaps most of the season, and Coleman takes over at some point in the near future.

College football statistics are provided by cfbstats.com.

Maurice Moton covers the NFL for Bleacher Report. You can follow him on Twitter @MoeMoton.