The Detroit Lions’ preparation for their second preseason game continues on Monday with their first night practice of training camp. That’s not the only thing that will be different this week.
At least according to coach Dan Campbell’s comments earlier last week, the Lions will play their starters against the Washington Commanders on Saturday, the first time in several years under Campbell that they’ve decided to do so.
“I think more of mine are the questions will be coming next week, when we start getting into the Washington week, because that was kind of where I always targeted like, alright, this may be where we need to play our guys,” Campbell said. “That’ll be the first one is kind of where I was thinking.”
Jared Goff and Amon-Ra St. Brown haven’t played in the preseason since 2022. Jahmyr Gibbs has a total of 18 career preseason snaps since entering the league in 2023. Aidan Hutchinson has never played a single down of preseason football.
So today’s Question of the Day is:
Which Lions players should not play in the preseason?
My answer: Well, if you need another reminder as to the risks of playing important players in the preseason, the Arizona Cardinals found out the hard way this weekend. First-round pick Jeremiyah Love reportedly suffered a high-ankle sprain, and now he could miss the start of the season.
Personally, I would rather my team play it safe. I know the Lions haven’t traditionally played their best football early in the season and some believe shaking off rust in the preseason could help. But I find it hard to believe it makes a noticeable difference considering all of the work they get in training camp.
That said, the Lions are running out of time to figure out key positions on the team—particularly on the offensive line and the secondary. They haven’t decided on the starting five on the offensive line, and positions like safety and nickel cornerback appear still in play. Because those positions also require a ton of chemistry, I am fully in favor of playing all of the projected starters on the offensive line and in the secondary.
But do I need to see Jahmyr Gibbs or Jared Goff out there? No. Do I need to see St. Brown or Jamo or Jack Campbell or Aidan Hutchinson? No, I do not. I think you could make a strong argument for just about everyone else, though.
Which Lions players do you think can skip out on this preseason? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.