The 2026 NFL preseason kicks off with intriguing officiating assignments, including nine officials stepping into new roles—a key factor to watch.
The excitement is palpable as the 2026 NFL preseason officially begins, featuring notable referee assignments that could influence how games unfold. Brad Rogers will take center stage as the referee for the highly anticipated Packers vs. Steelers matchup on Thursday evening, marking the first nationally televised game of the week.
This week's slate of games provides a fresh opportunity for nine officials to gain practical experience in the referee position, with some stepping into the role for an uncertain number of snaps. While in past preseason games we’ve seen non-white hats lead officiating crews for varying periods, this week is particularly noteworthy as college officiates from the Mackie Development Program often fill these positions when the regular referees rotate out. This proactive approach not only introduces more officiating talent to the NFL but also aids in the professional development pipeline.
Game Schedule and Referee Assignments
Here’s a breakdown of the officials assigned to key matchups in the first week of the preseason:
Thursday, Aug. 13
- Lions at Bengals - Brandon Cruse (Backup Referee), 7 p.m., Craig Wrolstad crew
- Packers at Steelers - Bryan Neale (Backup Referee), 7 p.m., Brad Rogers crew
- Colts at Patriots - Land Clark, 7:30 p.m., Crew of 6 drills
- Chargers at Texans - Carl Cheffers, 8 p.m., Crew of 6 drills
- Cardinals at Raiders - Scott Campbell (Backup Referee), 8 p.m., Bill Vinovich crew
- Titans at 49ers - Shawn Hochuli, 9 p.m., Crew of 6 drills
Friday, Aug. 14
- Dolphins at Commanders - Brad Allen, Chad Hill (2nd Half), 7 p.m.
- Broncos at Falcons - Alan Eck, David Oliver (2nd Half), 7 p.m., NFL Network
- Buccaneers at Jets - Duane Heydt (Backup Referee), 7 p.m., John Hussey crew
Saturday, Aug. 15
- Vikings at Giants - Jonah Monroe (Backup Referee), 1 p.m., Clete Blakeman crew
- Panthers at Bills - Don Willard (Backup Referee), 1 p.m., Scott Novak crew
- Browns at Bears - Alex Kemp, 2 p.m., Crew of 6 drills
- Jaguars at Saints - Shawn Smith (sub), 4 p.m., Clay Martin crew
- Rams at Chiefs - Ron Torbert, 4 p.m., Crew of 6 drills
- Eagles at Ravens - Adrian Hill, 7 p.m., Crew of 6 drills
- Cowboys at Seahawks - Alex Moore, Terry Killens (2nd Half), 8 p.m., NFL Network
All times stated are in Eastern Time. Fans can access live broadcasts of these matches on NFL Network, with local blackouts flaring in the teams' markets. Notably, some games slated for tape delay may switch to live broadcasts on NFL Network as substitute options to ensure widespread access.
What to Watch This Week
With the influx of officials stepping into officiating roles, expect to see innovative adjustments in game management and decision-making. This trial not only serves as a test for the referees but also sets the stage for accountability in officiating, especially as they adapt to the high-speed nature of NFL games. Generally, teams in this position will look for consistency and clarity in the application of rules, and often, early preseason games help establish that consistency.
It's also essential to consider the implications of these assignments moving forward in the season. Decisions made by referees can significantly influence not only the outcomes of the games but also the momentum of teams as they strive for postseason considerations. As head coaches adjust strategies based on officiating tendencies during these early contests, this could be pivotal for teams aiming to solidify their positions in the crowded NFL landscape.
As the preseason rolls on, keep an eye on not just the game results but how each officiating crew manages game flow and player interactions. The nuances of officiating can often make or break a game, and with this novel system in play, fans and analysts alike will be keen to assess the effectiveness of these new lineups.
For a complete list of the officiating crews for the 2026 season, visit this link. Note the possibility of substitutions from regular crew personnel each week, keeping everyone on their toes throughout the preseason.
