ESPN's Laura Rutledge and the "Monday Night Football" crew were in the nation's capital this evening to cover a preseason showdown between the Cincinnati Bengals and Washington Commanders. It didn't take long for fans to compliment her performance and appearance.

One player who has benefited from the development has been former Illinois running back Chase Brown. After taking over as Cincinnati's starter in Week 6 last season, Brown has sprinted forward without looking back. He got five carries on Monday and rushed for 22 yards – and even scored the first touchdown of the game.

The answer is: YES! There's a Monday Night Football preseason matchup on Monday, August 18, 2025. And we've got all the information you need to know as you get ready to watch a primetime NFL game, even if it's a tune-up for the regular season.

Jacory Croskey-Merritt will make his debut this season for the Commanders, but he wants NFL fans to call him by his preferred name.

As per the flexible schedule moves: The NFL can flex an unlimited number of times for “Monday Night Football” between Weeks 12 and 17, and must give 12 days notice.

The final Week 2 NFL preseason game takes place on Monday Night Football when the Washington Commanders host the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday, August 18, and sports bettors will be able to see both Joe Burrow and Jayden Daniels in action.

Katie George, known for her college football reporting on ESPN, is joining Monday Night Football for five games in 2025. Starting with ESPN's Week 2 d

Much of the buzz around the Bengals’ 2025 NFL draft class has been focused on first-round pick Shemar Stewart, primarily due to his lengthy holdout over language in his rookie contract. But second-round pick Demetrius Knight Jr.