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.

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.

The move sets up the on-air talent roster for what will be ESPN's most important live broadcast ever: Super Bowl LXI in February 2027.

Lisa Salters and Laura Rutledge won't be the only sideline reporters featured on ESPN's "Monday Night Football" this season. It was revealed Tuesday that ESPN reporter Katie George will be part of the "Monday Night Football" crew for five games this season.

Laura Rutledge will join ESPN's main Monday Night Football crew to work alongside Lisa Salters as a sideline reporter for 20 games during the 2025 season, the network announced on Tuesday.

ESPN analyst Ryan Clark sparked controversy by comparing Joe Flacco's NFL comeback to the resurrection of Jesus Christ during Monday Night Countdown.

With the 2025 Monday Night Football season on the horizon, ESPN has extended Salters, elevated Laura Rutledge’s sideline reporting role and added both Katie George and Peter Schrager to its game coverage, resulting in two sideline reporters for all 25 NFL on ESPN games.