49ers - NFL Preseason 2025 Live Updates: Brock Purdy Returns, Dillon Gabriel’s Mixed Debut, and Quarterback Battles Across the League

The NFL preseason 2025 Week 2 is officially underway, and as always, it’s bringing fans plenty of excitement, breakout performances, and heated quarterback battles that could shape the regular season. Saturday’s slate of games was loaded with intriguing storylines — from Brock Purdy’s brief appearance for the 49ers against the Raiders, to rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel’s rollercoaster debut with the Cleveland Browns, to a long-awaited preseason appearance by Justin Herbert for the Chargers.

In this comprehensive breakdown, we’ll take you through the key highlights, quarterback competitions, injury updates, and what these developments mean for the NFL 2025 season. Whether you’re a diehard fan of the San Francisco 49ers, Cleveland Browns, Indianapolis Colts, Chicago Bears, or Los Angeles Chargers, this recap covers everything you need to know.

NFL Preseason 2025: Why Week 2 Matters

Preseason football often gets dismissed as “meaningless games,” but anyone who follows the league closely knows Week 2 of the preseason is critical. Coaches begin giving starters more reps, rookies get their first taste of live NFL action, and bubble players fight desperately for roster spots.

For quarterbacks especially, this week can make or break their case to start. We’ve seen legends like Tom Brady, Patrick Mahomes, and Drew Brees once use preseason opportunities to cement their status. Now, younger names like Dillon Gabriel, Shedeur Sanders, Anthony Richardson, and Caleb Williams are trying to follow that same path.

Brock Purdy: Steady and Sharp in Limited Action vs. Raiders

One of the most anticipated matchups Saturday was the 49ers vs. Raiders, featuring a brief cameo from Brock Purdy.

Stat Line: Purdy finished 5-of-7 for 66 yards in his lone series.

Key Connection: He looked sharp hitting rookie WR Ricky Pearsall three times, showing instant chemistry.

Drive Result: The 49ers marched into the red zone before stalling and settling for a field goal.

San Francisco fans shouldn’t expect to see much more of Purdy this preseason, as head coach Kyle Shanahan typically protects his starters. Still, that one series reaffirmed that Purdy looks comfortable, efficient, and ready to lead the Niners on another deep playoff run in 2025.

Dillon Gabriel’s Preseason Debut: A Mixed Bag for the Browns Rookie

Perhaps the biggest spotlight of Saturday was on Dillon Gabriel, the Browns’ third-round rookie quarterback, who made his preseason debut with Shedeur Sanders sidelined due to an oblique injury.

Stat Line: 13-of-18 passing, 143 yards, 1 interception (pick-six), 1 lost fumble.

The Good: Gabriel showed poise in the pocket, accuracy on short and intermediate throws, and the ability to move the chains.

The Bad: Turnovers were costly. His interception returned for a touchdown highlighted rookie growing pains, and a botched handoff led to a fumble.

Gabriel also caused waves with his sideline interview, saying:

“There’s entertainers and there’s competitors… my job is to compete.”

Many thought this was a jab at teammate Shedeur Sanders, but Gabriel clarified afterward that he was referring to the media as “entertainers,” not his fellow rookie QB.

Still, quarterback competitions are always hot-button topics, and the Cleveland situation could become one of the NFL’s most closely followed storylines this fall.

Indianapolis Colts: Daniel Jones vs. Anthony Richardson QB Battle

The Colts quarterback situation is equally fascinating. Saturday provided more clarity — but also more questions:

Daniel Jones: Started the game, completing 7-of-11 passes for 101 yards and leading a field goal drive.

Anthony Richardson: Entered later, went 6-of-11 for 73 yards, and guided the offense to both a touchdown and a field goal.

Both QBs showcased different strengths — Jones with his veteran efficiency, Richardson with his athletic upside and ability to extend plays. Head coach Shane Steichen admitted a decision is coming soon, but it’s clear Indianapolis is weighing short-term stability vs. long-term ceiling.

Justin Herbert’s Preseason First: A Historic Debut

Believe it or not, Justin Herbert had never played in a preseason game — until Saturday night against the Rams.

Chargers fans finally got a glimpse of their franchise quarterback warming up under new head coach Jim Harbaugh. While Herbert only played sparingly, his presence itself was significant. The Chargers are installing a more physical, Harbaugh-style offense, and Herbert will be tasked with blending his elite arm talent with a renewed emphasis on running the football.

Caleb Williams’ Big Moment: Bears vs. Bills (Sunday Night Football)

All eyes now shift to Caleb Williams, the No. 1 overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft, who will start for the Bears on national television against the Buffalo Bills.

This will be fans’ first chance to see Williams in head coach Ben Johnson’s offensive system, which has been hyped as innovative and QB-friendly. With Chicago finally surrounding their rookie QB with legitimate weapons and a strong offensive line, expectations are sky-high.

Injuries: 49ers, Dolphins, and Panthers Hit Hard

Unfortunately, preseason football often brings injury scares, and Week 2 has already claimed some victims:

49ers Injuries: Starting right guard Dominic Puni (knee) and RB Corey Kiner (ankle) both left the game early. Depth is now a growing concern for San Francisco.

Dolphins RB De’Von Achane: Sidelined with a soft tissue injury but expected to be ready for Week 1.

Panthers Rookie Nic Scourton: Suffered a collapsed lung during practice earlier in the week, a scary setback that could sideline him for an extended period.

Injuries to young players are always devastating, as they can derail development and affect roster construction.

Other Key Highlights From Saturday

Geno Smith & Raiders Starters: Solid outing with 55 passing yards and a scoring drive before exiting. Rookie RB Ashton Jeanty scored his first preseason touchdown.

49ers Kicker Battle: Jake Moody missed a 53-yard attempt, raising questions about his reliability heading into the season.

Texans Defense: Former XFL standout Damon Arnette Jr. made an interception, continuing his impressive journey from spring football to the NFL.

NFL Preseason Week 2 Schedule (2025)

Here’s the full slate of games for the rest of the weekend:

Saturday, August 16

49ers at Raiders – 4 p.m. (NFL Network)

Chargers at Rams – 7 p.m.

Buccaneers at Steelers – 7 p.m.

Jets at Giants – 7 p.m. (NFL Network)

Ravens at Cowboys – 7 p.m.

Cardinals at Broncos – 9:30 p.m. (NFL Network)

Sunday, August 17

Jaguars at Saints – 1 p.m. (NFL Network)

Bills at Bears – 8 p.m. (Fox)

Monday, August 18

Bengals at Commanders – 8 p.m. (ESPN)

What These Games Mean for the Regular Season

The NFL preseason isn’t just about final scores. It’s about evaluations, chemistry, and readiness for Week 1.

For the 49ers, the priority is keeping Brock Purdy healthy while solidifying depth.

For the Browns, the quarterback competition between Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders could define their season.

For the Colts, Daniel Jones vs. Anthony Richardson remains one of the most compelling storylines.

For the Bears, Caleb Williams’ first start will be scrutinized like few preseason debuts ever.

For the Chargers, Justin Herbert’s preseason snaps mark the beginning of a new era under Jim Harbaugh.

Final Thoughts: Preseason Football is Back, and It Matters More Than You Think

While casual fans may shrug off preseason, the truth is these games shape depth charts, decide roster battles, and give us glimpses into the future of the league. Week 2 of the NFL Preseason 2025 has already delivered drama, controversy, and breakout performances.

From Dillon Gabriel’s trial by fire, to Brock Purdy’s steady leadership, to Caleb Williams’ highly anticipated debut, this weekend has reminded us why NFL preseason football remains must-watch television for true fans.

As we look ahead to Week 1 of the regular season, the takeaways from this week’s games could prove pivotal. If there’s one lesson from Saturday’s action, it’s that the NFL never truly has an offseason — every snap matters, and the journey to the Super Bowl starts here.