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.

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

Eleven preseason games will air on Saturday, August 16, and two matchups will take place on Sunday, August 17. The first and only Monday Night Football preseason game is scheduled for Monday, August 18 (Bengals @ Commanders: 8:00 p.m. ET on ESPN).

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.

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.