With NFL Network in the fold, ESPN increases its NFL preseason games

Jul 9, 2026Mike FlorioPro Football Talk

#Injury #RookieDraft

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Fernando Mendoza

QB · LV · #general

...Raiders at Texans on August 20. It will be the debut of rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza, if he plays in the game. All 48 preseason games will be re-aired on...

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The acquisition of NFL Network includes an uptick in preseason games televised by ESPN. ESPN has annouced that NFL Network will televise 19 live, out-of-market games during the three-week 2026 preseason. Twelve more out-of-market games will be available live via the ESPN App's Unlimited plan. ESPN will televise one preseason game nationally — Raiders at Texans on August 20. It will be the debut of rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza, if he plays in the game. All 48 preseason games will be re-aired on NFL Network, as usual. The preseason begins on Thursday, August 13. It ends on Saturday, August 29.