What we learned from NFL preseason Week 3 Saturday games
Saturday closed Week 3 of the 2026 NFL preseason schedule with two finales: the Detroit Lions beat the Indianapolis Colts 25-16, and the Chicago Bears routed the Tennessee Titans 24-15. Standouts included Keenan Allen's Colts debut, Sauce Gardner's first preseason snaps, and a 97-yard Bagent-to-Thomas touchdown that may be the play of the preseason. Will Levis failed to seize his last chance to impress Tennessee, with Sunday roster cuts looming across the league.
These were the last meaningful looks at bubble players before teams lock in regular-season rosters. For fans tracking the final preseason weekend on the NFL schedule, both games delivered clear winners and losers heading into September.
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Key Takeaways
- The Lions beat the Colts 25-16 with reserve-heavy lineups; cornerback Ennis Rakestraw's coverage struggles continued across the preseason.
- Keenan Allen caught a 24-yard pass from Anthony Richardson in four snaps; Sauce Gardner recorded an interception on his first preseason action.
- The Bears routed the Titans 24-15 behind Tyson Bagent's 16-of-17, 208-yard day and Zavion Thomas's 97-yard opening-play touchdown.
- Will Levis started with Cam Ward and Mitchell Trubisky sidelined but delivered a mixed half that may not change his standing in Tennessee.
- Saturday's slate closed the final week of preseason action before teams finalize rosters for the regular NFL schedule.
What Happened in Lions vs. Colts on Saturday?
Detroit rested starters and key backups in its preseason finale, per NFL.com's Week 3 recap. The Lions still won 25-16, but corner Ennis Rakestraw struggled again, allowing three receptions for 44 yards on five targets in the first half. Across the full preseason, he allowed 11 receptions for 151 yards on 15 targets.
Indianapolis offered brighter signs. Keenan Allen, signed Aug. 19, wore No. 10 and caught a 24-yard rope from Anthony Richardson on four snaps. Two-time All-Pro Sauce Gardner logged his first four preseason snaps and sealed his day with an interception of Luke Altmyer.
Did the Bears Deliver the Preseason Play of the Year?
Chicago may have produced August's best score on the league's final preseason game. From their own 3-yard line, the Bears attacked on the first play. Tyson Bagent launched a deep throw to Zavion Thomas, who beat Titans corner Keydrain Calligan with a double move and raced 97 yards for a touchdown.
Per Next Gen Stats, the throw traveled 41.3 yards in the air, and Thomas hit 21.99 mph. Bagent finished 16 of 17 for 208 yards, two touchdowns and a 156.9 passer rating. Thomas added 140 yards on five catches plus a 39-yard punt return in Ben Johnson's explosive offense.
Where Does Will Levis Stand After the Titans' Loss?
Cam Ward and Mitchell Trubisky sat out, making Will Levis's role clear. He went 14 of 22 for 143 yards in a half but failed to deliver a statement. Levis showed touch on a 28-yard fourth-and-2 throw to Kylen Granson and led a 74-yard two-minute drill, yet finished 1 of 6 on third downs and fumbled a handoff to Chimere Dike.
If Tennessee keeps three quarterbacks, Levis remains the likely No. 3. Otherwise, the Titans could explore trades, as Miami did with Quinn Ewers on Saturday. Rookie Carnell Tate ended the preseason with zero catches in three snaps.
What's Next on the 2026 NFL Schedule?
Saturday's games wrapped the final preseason weekend before Sunday's roster cuts. The regular-season NFL schedule begins soon, and clarity from these finales carries into Week 1 lineups. Friday's Week 3 slate featured 10 other exhibition games, but Saturday's Lions-Colts and Bears-Titans matchups closed August action. Follow our Streaming & TV Alerts coverage for where to watch kickoff and last-minute roster news.