The Detroit Lions are gearing up to kick off their preseason action against the New York Giants on Thursday night, but fans shouldn’t expect to see a lot of their top players taking the field.
Head coach Dan Campbell made it clear during a press conference on Tuesday that the game will mostly feature players vying for spots on the bottom of the roster or the practice squad. When asked about who will be playing, Campbell stated, “I don’t see quarterback Jared Goff playing and that he will have plenty of company on the sideline.”
Campbell elaborated, “Some of the guys we know we’re gonna count on during the season, I don’t see them necessarily playing.”
The Lions have been busy this week with joint practices against the Giants, giving them a chance to square off against different competition. However, any further first-team work against opposing players will have to wait until after the preseason opener.
With the focus on evaluating the depth of the roster and giving lesser-known players a chance to shine, it promises to be an interesting game for those players looking to make a statement and secure their spot on the team.
As Campbell put it, “It’s all about giving these guys an opportunity to go out there and show what they can do. They have a chance to make a name for themselves and make an impact.”
So while the Lions may not have their star players out on the field for the preseason opener, there will still be plenty of action to watch as the next generation of players fight for their chance to make an impact in the NFL.