ALLEN PARK, Mich. – Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell said that a significant number of starters are expected to play in the team’s preseason game Saturday against the Washington Commanders, although he stopped short of revealing exactly which players will take the field.
Campbell said he has already made some decisions about playing time.
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“Not everybody will play,” Campbell said. “We are going to play a significant amount of the starters. That’s my plan right now.”
The Lions have used training camp to evaluate players at several positions, including the offensive line and secondary.
Lions continue to evaluate offensive line
Campbell said the team gave Tate Ratledge some work at center during recent team drills to prepare him to fill the position if needed during a game.
Juice Scruggs will have his reps limited Monday, Campbell said, with Seth expected to get some work at center as well.
Ratledge will continue working at right guard.
Campbell said the offensive line has flexibility, but moving players around requires additional time and repetitions because the players need to build chemistry with one another.
“You’d be pushing Tate in. Then you got to find your guards,” Campbell said. “And then they got to work together.”
Campbell said the secondary has more flexibility than the offensive line at this point in camp.
Nickel competition remains open
The Lions have rotated several players at nickel during camp as coaches evaluate how each player can contribute.
Campbell said the team is looking at different traits, including coverage ability, tackling, performance in the box, blitzing, and decision-making.
“We’re giving them all an opportunity,” Campbell said.
Campbell said the next step will be determining which players fit specific roles and then getting them comfortable playing together.
Levi Onwuzurike ramping up
Campbell also provided an update on Levi Onwuzurike, who has been working through a ramp-up plan.
Campbell said Onwuzurike had reached some positive benchmarks before experiencing a setback.
He anticipated Onwuzurike would participate in Monday’s (Aug. 17) practice.
Campbell said Onwuzurike can be a disruptive presence when he is healthy and playing with good leverage.
“He’s a strong, physical man,” Campbell said. “When he does it right, and he plays low, and he feels good, he can wreak havoc in there.”
Lions benefit from internal competition
Campbell said the Lions have replicated some of the benefits of joint practices through competition within their own roster.
He pointed to former Michigan Wolverines defensive linemen Aidan Hutchinson and Alim McNeill, among others, as players who challenge each other during daily practices.
Campbell said facing talented teammates provides valuable competition even without joint practices.
“I think we’ve got pretty good competition here,” Campbell said.
Lions fans continue to show up
Campbell also praised Lions fans for supporting the team throughout training camp, regardless of the weather or time of day.
“They live it, they breathe it, and they’re here for us and our players, and they believe,” Campbell said.
Campbell said the players feed off that energy and enjoy performing in front of the fans.
The Lions are scheduled to play Saturday, with Campbell saying a significant number of starters are expected to see action as the team continues preparing for the regular season.