NFL preseason games Thursday: Matchups, times, how to watch and what to know
The final week of the NFL preseason kicks off Thursday with a pair of games on the schedule.
Don't expect to see much of the teams' projected Week 1 starters as coaching staffs traditionally use the last preseason game as a way to evaluate players on the roster bubble. However, there will still be some intriguing storylines as the Pittsburgh Steelers visit the Atlanta Falcons and the Indianapolis Colts travel to face the Philadelphia Eagles.
One benefit to playing their final preseason games on Thursday night is that it will give all four teams even more time to prepare for their regular-season openers on Sept. 10.
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NFL preseason TV schedule Thursday
All times Eastern
Pittsburgh Steelers at Atlanta Falcons, 7:30 p.m. (NFL Network)
Indianapolis Colts at Philadelphia Eagles, 8 p.m. (Prime Video)
What to know about Steelers vs. Falcons
Second-year Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett turned in a second consecutive impressive performance last Saturday, leading a pair of first-half touchdown drives in a victory over the Buffalo Bills. Coach Mike Tomlin then gave Pickett and the first-team offense the rest of the night off. In doing so, Tomlin said it will allow the starters to see some action against Atlanta.
The Falcons, meanwhile, have a second-year quarterback of their own in Desmond Ridder under center. Ridder looked good in completing 7-of-9 passes for 80 yards in a 13-13 tie with the Cincinnati Bengals last week. The game also marked the pro debut of running back Bijan Robinson. The No. 8 overall draft pick finished with four carries for 20 yards and caught one pass for six yards.
What to know about Colts vs. Eagles
The big news out of Colts camp is that the team has reportedly given disgruntled running back Jonathan Taylor permission to seek a trade. Taylor has not practiced since training camp opened, instead spending the entire time on the Physically Unable to Perform List, which the team said was related to the high-ankle sprain he suffered last season and had surgery on in January. However, he's expected to rejoin the team in Philadelphia at some point this week.
The Eagles had a lively joint practice with the Colts before they battle on it out Thursday. It will be the defending NFC champions' first opportunity to face off against their former offensive coordinator, Shane Steichen, who's now the Colts' rookie head coach. Perhaps the most intriguing thing in Philly's preseason finale is the backup quarterback battle between veteran Marcus Mariota and rookie Tanner McKee.
How to watch NFL preseason games
The Steelers-Falcons preseason game is available to watch on the NFL Network. It will also be streamed on NFL+, which requires a subscription of $9.99 a month.
The Colts-Eagles game will be streamed live on Prime Video.
Do you get preseason games with NFL Sunday Ticket?
No, NFL Sunday Ticket only broadcasts regular season NFL games. An NFL+ subscription is needed to stream the preseason.