PANINI INSTANT NFL RECAP: ROOKIES MAKE FINAL PREPARATIONS

Written by: Connor Zimmerlee

We’ve made it. We have officially made it through the NFL Draft, rookie minicamp, training camp and now, finally, the preseason. After a long wait, the regular season will soon be upon us once more. However, that does not mean we are going to look past the final slate of 2025 preseason games but rather offer another rundown of some big-time rookie performances.

Leading the way in this edition of our recap are five quarterbacks who each put up a remarkable performance. Kicking us off is New Orleans’ Tyler Shough, who shined brightly in a clash with the Broncos and completed 60 percent of his passes for 102 yards. However, his legs were the star of the show as he notched an 11-yard rushing score. He wasn’t the only dual-threat standout. Seattle’s Jalen Milroe compiled 179 yards of offense and a passing touchdown against the Packers.

Elsewhere, Riley Leonard was an instrumental piece in the Colts’ 41-14 rout of the Bengals. Wheeling and dealing, he sliced up the secondary for 189 yards, including a gorgeous deep strike for a 59-yard touchdown. Dillon Gabriel was masterful in Cleveland’s 19-17 win over the Rams to the tune of 129 yards and a score, while Graham Mertz was also outstanding with 145 yards and a touchdown in the Texans’ 26-7 win over Detroit.

Speaking of the Browns and Lions, both games also featured a pass-catcher who stole the show. Tight end Harold Fannin Jr. hauled in a 15-yard touchdown and TeSlaa saw his strong preseason conclude with yet another receiving TD on a 33-yard strike. They were far from the only playmakers, though, as Tampa Bay’s Tez Johnson secured all eight of his targets for 58 yards and a touchdown against the Bills.

And last, but certainly far from least, is Dallas’ Jaydon Blue. The running back boasts game-breaking speed and poses a threat to take any touch all the way to the house for six. In a 31-13 win over the Falcons, he turned nine carries into a solid 25 yards and a touchdown.

To celebrate these sensational performances, as well as select other players, you can head to Panini’s webstore to purchase their respective Panini Instant cards. Don’t worry, though, as these magnificent cards will continue to shine throughout the NFL regular season also.