ALLEN PARK, Mich. – Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell is less concerned about perfection in Thursday night’s preseason opener against Cincinnati and more interested in seeing how his young players handle the competition.
The Lions have spent the first weeks of training camp drilling fundamentals, technique and their defensive and offensive schemes.
Now Campbell wants to see whether those lessons carry over when the players face another team.
“You want to see the development,” Campbell said. “Do they take what you’re teaching them to the field?”
Campbell said Cincinnati is expected to play some of its starters for a couple of drives, allowing Detroit’s younger players to compete against NFL-caliber competition.
The first preseason game also will provide a chance for veterans competing for roster spots to make an impression.
“You want to see these guys keep their composure and stay disciplined and use your craft, use what you’ve been taught,” Campbell said.
One player Campbell is particularly eager to watch is defensive lineman Ahmed Hassanein, whose 2024 season was cut short.
Campbell said Hassanein has approached training camp with an intensity that has stood out.
“He’s all out all the time,” Campbell said. “The guy never takes a play off.”
Campbell acknowledged that Hassanein sometimes has to be reined in because of his aggressive style, but said that is preferable to having to motivate a player who lacks energy.
Hassanein has also moved into a bigger role along the defensive line.
Campbell described him as an undersized edge player who makes up for it with leverage, effort and physicality.
“He doesn’t cower from anything,” Campbell said. “He wants it, and he tries to prove it every day.”
Campbell also provided an update on safety Kerby Joseph, who is recovering from an injury. Campbell said Joseph is dealing with a personal issue but that his rehabilitation is progressing well.
Joseph remains part of the Lions’ plans as they look toward the regular season, Campbell said.
Veteran linebacker Devin White also has impressed Campbell early in camp.
White, who spent last season with the Las Vegas Raiders, will play in the preseason opener.
Campbell said White looks like the player he remembers from his time coaching in New Orleans when White was with Tampa Bay.
“He’s moving well. He’s thumping. Pretty smart. He’s got speed,” Campbell said.
Campbell also praised linebacker Jack Campbell, saying the third-year player’s confidence has grown significantly.
Jack has taken on more responsibility within defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard’s system and has greater freedom to make adjustments.
“He is our quarterback on defense,” Dan said.
That responsibility has brought more urgency and communication from the linebacker, Dan said.
The Lions also are using the preseason game to evaluate several young players, including rookie linebacker Erick Hunter and rookie defensive back Keith Abney II.
Dan said Hunter continues to improve, particularly on special teams, where he has consistently made plays.
His biggest challenge, Dan said, is learning things he has not been exposed to before.
Abney II, meanwhile, has taken a large number of reps at nickel and has impressed the coaching staff with his ability to absorb instruction.
“He’s pretty headsy for a rookie,” Dan said.
The Lions’ wide receiver competition also remains wide open beyond the established players at the top of the depth chart.
Dan called it the best receiver room the team has had since he arrived in Detroit, saying players throughout the group have made plays during camp.
“It’s an all-out battle,” Campbell said.
Special teams could play a major role in determining which receivers and other players earn roster spots, Dan said.
With the initial 53-man roster still weeks away, Campbell said he and general manager Brad Holmes are communicating about players throughout camp but are intentionally holding off on a final, comprehensive evaluation.
The Lions plan to make their deepest roster evaluations after completing the preseason.
For Dan, Thursday’s game is another step in that process.
“It’ll be good,” Dan said. “It’s all part of the process.”