Tough start: Veteran linebacker Grant Stuard has been an interesting watch on special teams in training camp. He plays like he's shot out of a cannon with his hair on fire, both as a cover man and a kickoff returner. Unfortunately, the first time he touched the ball on the game's opening kickoff he fumbled it away giving the Chargers the ball at the Lions' 28. He said after the game it's something he'll learn from, absorbing the contact with the ball all the way to the ground. Stuard got another opportunity on the next kickoff and had a nice 36-yard return up the middle.
Early impact: Rookie wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa made a quick impact with back-to-back catches of 24 and 22 yards to give the offense a little life after a slow start. TeSlaa has been a friendly target for Lions quarterbacks through the first couple weeks of camp with his size, speed and catch radius combo.
Veteran presence: Last season proved how important depth can be and I thought a few veterans showed up for the Lions Thursday night. Cornerback Rock Ya-Sin, running back Craig Reynolds, Stuard and defensive lineman Pat O'Connor got the opportunity to play early and showed up making plays. That's good to see early on because at some point it is likely the Lions will need them to step in and play important reps.
Pass rush: I was closely watching Detroit's edge rushers Thursday night as the team is still trying to figure out the pecking order and playing reps behind Aidan Hutchinson and Marcus Davenport. It wasn't a really productive night for the group overall as they didn't record a sack or quarterback hit in the contest.
Quarterback play: I thought Kyle Allen and Hendon Hooker did some good things but the three turnovers between them were too many. There were a couple off throws from both players as well. I'd expect both guys to learn from the tape and be better next Friday against the Falcons.
Effort play: Stuard had the early mistake with the fumble, but he also made a play late in the first quarter that showed exactly the kind of effort he plays with. Los Angeles started a drive on their 20-yard line and the first play of the drive Lions defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard dialed up a blitz for Stuard. He rushed up the middle and was cut down by the running back but still raced to his feet and was able to sack Chargers quarterback Trey Lance. Stuard finished with four tackles, two tackles for loss and a sack.
Kickoff adjustments: We got our first look at the newest changes to the dynamic kickoff rule first implemented in 2024 to promote more kickoff returns while continuing to make the play safer. We saw only one touchback on a kickoff in the contest. There was also a penalty on Detroit's Jake Bates for landing a ball short of the landing zone that is from the 20-yard line to the goal line. That awarded the Chargers the ball at their own 40-yard line.
New virtual measurement: We also got our first look at the NFL's new virtual measurement system for first downs, which allows the NFL to accurately measure the distance between the spotted ball and the line to gain without having to bring out the chains. It seemed to have gone off without a hitch Thursday and should help keep the flow of the game going without lengthy measurement timeouts.
View photos from the Detroit Lions vs. Los Angeles Chargers Hall of Fame Game at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium on Thursday, July 31 in Canton, Ohio.
Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (0) before an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Thursday, July 31, 2025, in Canton, Ohio. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Hendon Hooker (2) before an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Thursday, July 31, 2025, in Canton, Ohio. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Roy Lopez (51) before an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Thursday, July 31, 2025, in Canton, Ohio. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson (97) before an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Thursday, July 31, 2025, in Canton, Ohio. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions cornerback Tyson Russell (35) before an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Thursday, July 31, 2025, in Canton, Ohio. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive back Brian Branch (32) before an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Thursday, July 31, 2025, in Canton, Ohio. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Derrick Barnes (55) before an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Thursday, July 31, 2025, in Canton, Ohio. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions edge rusher Nate Lynn (57) before an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Thursday, July 31, 2025, in Canton, Ohio. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Tate Ratledge (69) before an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Thursday, July 31, 2025, in Canton, Ohio. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions edge rusher Marcus Davenport (92) before an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Thursday, July 31, 2025, in Canton, Ohio. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions safety Dan Jackson (28) before an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Thursday, July 31, 2025, in Canton, Ohio. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tight end Shane Zylstra (84) before an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Thursday, July 31, 2025, in Canton, Ohio. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tight end Zach Horton (40) before an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Thursday, July 31, 2025, in Canton, Ohio. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa (18) before an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Thursday, July 31, 2025, in Canton, Ohio. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Dominic Lovett (19) before an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Thursday, July 31, 2025, in Canton, Ohio. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr. (9) before an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Thursday, July 31, 2025, in Canton, Ohio. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell before an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Thursday, July 31, 2025, in Canton, Ohio. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (0) and Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) before an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Thursday, July 31, 2025, in Canton, Ohio. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Ronnie Bell (10) before an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Thursday, July 31, 2025, in Canton, Ohio. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Grant Stuard (15) before an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Thursday, July 31, 2025, in Canton, Ohio. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Tom Kennedy (85) and Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams (1) before an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Thursday, July 31, 2025, in Canton, Ohio. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Kalif Raymond (11) and Detroit Lions assistant special teams coach Jett Modkins before an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Thursday, July 31, 2025, in Canton, Ohio. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Jakobie Keeney-James (80) before an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Thursday, July 31, 2025, in Canton, Ohio. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Dominic Lovett (19) before an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Thursday, July 31, 2025, in Canton, Ohio. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions punter Jack Fox (3) before an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Thursday, July 31, 2025, in Canton, Ohio. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Kyle Allen (8) before an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Thursday, July 31, 2025, in Canton, Ohio. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Ronnie Bell (10) before an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Thursday, July 31, 2025, in Canton, Ohio. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Malik Taylor (86) before an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Thursday, July 31, 2025, in Canton, Ohio. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Jakobie Keeney-James (80) before an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Thursday, July 31, 2025, in Canton, Ohio. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Jackson Meeks (83) before an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Thursday, July 31, 2025, in Canton, Ohio. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Jacob Saylors (48) before an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Thursday, July 31, 2025, in Canton, Ohio. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions safety Loren Strickland (24) before an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Thursday, July 31, 2025, in Canton, Ohio. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions safety Erick Hallett (36) before an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Thursday, July 31, 2025, in Canton, Ohio. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions cornerback Rock Ya-Sin (23) before an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Thursday, July 31, 2025, in Canton, Ohio. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Tyleik Williams (91) before an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Thursday, July 31, 2025, in Canton, Ohio. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions edge rusher Isaac Ukwu (45) before an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Thursday, July 31, 2025, in Canton, Ohio. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions edge rusher Ahmed Hassanein (61) before an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Thursday, July 31, 2025, in Canton, Ohio. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Grant Stuard (15) before an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Thursday, July 31, 2025, in Canton, Ohio. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions edge rusher Mitchell Agude (50), Detroit Lions edge rusher Isaac Ukwu (45), Detroit Lions defensive lineman Brodric Martin (99), Detroit Lions offensive lineman Trystan Colon (67), and Detroit Lions guard Kayode Awosika (74) before an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Thursday, July 31, 2025, in Canton, Ohio. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions guard Kayode Awosika (74) before an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Thursday, July 31, 2025, in Canton, Ohio. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Colby Sorsdal (75) before an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Thursday, July 31, 2025, in Canton, Ohio. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions center Kingsley Eguakun (65) before an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Thursday, July 31, 2025, in Canton, Ohio. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tackle Dan Skipper (70) before an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Thursday, July 31, 2025, in Canton, Ohio. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa (18) and Detroit Lions tight end Shane Zylstra (84) during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Thursday, July 31, 2025, in Canton, Ohio. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Craig Reynolds (13) and Detroit Lions wide receiver Dominic Lovett (19) during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Thursday, July 31, 2025, in Canton, Ohio. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Craig Reynolds (13) and Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa (18) during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Thursday, July 31, 2025, in Canton, Ohio. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions long snapper Hogan Hatten (49), Detroit Lions guard Netane Muti (52) and Detroit Lions cornerback Rock Ya-Sin (23) during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Thursday, July 31, 2025, in Canton, Ohio. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions edge rusher Mitchell Agude (50) during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Thursday, July 31, 2025, in Canton, Ohio. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions safety Erick Hallett (36) during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Thursday, July 31, 2025, in Canton, Ohio. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa (18) during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Thursday, July 31, 2025, in Canton, Ohio. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions center Kingsley Eguakun (65), Detroit Lions quarterback Kyle Allen (8), and Detroit Lions running back Craig Reynolds (13) during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Thursday, July 31, 2025, in Canton, Ohio. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Pat O'Connor (95) and Detroit Lions edge rusher Ahmed Hassanein (61) during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Thursday, July 31, 2025, in Canton, Ohio. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Dominic Lovett (19) and Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa (18) during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Thursday, July 31, 2025, in Canton, Ohio. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions edge rusher Al-Quadin Muhammad (96) and Detroit Lions defensive lineman Pat O'Connor (95) during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Thursday, July 31, 2025, in Canton, Ohio. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Craig Reynolds (13) during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Thursday, July 31, 2025, in Canton, Ohio. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa (18) gets a first down during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Thursday, July 31, 2025, in Canton, Ohio. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Dominic Lovett (19) during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Thursday, July 31, 2025, in Canton, Ohio. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions safety Erick Hallett (36) during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Thursday, July 31, 2025, in Canton, Ohio. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tight end Shane Zylstra (84), Detroit Lions tackle Jamarco Jones (72), and Detroit Lions guard Kayode Awosika (74) during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Thursday, July 31, 2025, in Canton, Ohio. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions cornerback Dicaprio Bootle (17) during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Thursday, July 31, 2025, in Canton, Ohio. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions cornerback Rock Ya-Sin (23) during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Thursday, July 31, 2025, in Canton, Ohio. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr. (9) during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Thursday, July 31, 2025, in Canton, Ohio. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions guard Netane Muti (52), Detroit Lions quarterback Kyle Allen (8), and Detroit Lions tackle Dan Skipper (70) during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Thursday, July 31, 2025, in Canton, Ohio. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions safety Dan Jackson (28) during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Thursday, July 31, 2025, in Canton, Ohio. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions guard Netane Muti (52), Detroit Lions running back Craig Reynolds (13), and Detroit Lions tight end Zach Horton (40) during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Thursday, July 31, 2025, in Canton, Ohio. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Jabari Small (42) during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Thursday, July 31, 2025, in Canton, Ohio. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Kyle Allen (8) and Detroit Lions wide receiver Dominic Lovett (19) during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Thursday, July 31, 2025, in Canton, Ohio. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Jabari Small (42) during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Thursday, July 31, 2025, in Canton, Ohio. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tight end Shane Zylstra (84) during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Thursday, July 31, 2025, in Canton, Ohio. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tackle Jamarco Jones (72), Detroit Lions guard Kayode Awosika (74), Detroit Lions quarterback Kyle Allen (8), Detroit Lions center Kingsley Eguakun (65), andDetroit Lions tackle Dan Skipper (70) during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Thursday, July 31, 2025, in Canton, Ohio. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Dominic Lovett (19) during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Thursday, July 31, 2025, in Canton, Ohio. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Craig Reynolds (13) scores a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Thursday, July 31, 2025, in Canton, Ohio. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Craig Reynolds (13) scores a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Thursday, July 31, 2025, in Canton, Ohio. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions edge rusher Nate Lynn (57) during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Thursday, July 31, 2025, in Canton, Ohio. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Jabari Small (42) during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Thursday, July 31, 2025, in Canton, Ohio. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions edge rusher Nate Lynn (57) and Detroit Lions defensive lineman Keith Cooper Jr. (64) during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Thursday, July 31, 2025, in Canton, Ohio. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates (39) kicks off during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Thursday, July 31, 2025, in Canton, Ohio. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions guard Netane Muti (52) and Detroit Lions quarterback Kyle Allen (8) during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Thursday, July 31, 2025, in Canton, Ohio. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Keith Cooper Jr. (64) and Detroit Lions edge rusher Ahmed Hassanein (61) during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Thursday, July 31, 2025, in Canton, Ohio. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions edge rusher Ahmed Hassanein (61) during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Thursday, July 31, 2025, in Canton, Ohio. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions safety Ian Kennelly (27) during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Thursday, July 31, 2025, in Canton, Ohio. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Anthony Pittman (41) and Detroit Lions defensive lineman Chris Smith (90) during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Thursday, July 31, 2025, in Canton, Ohio. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Anthony Pittman (41) and Detroit Lions cornerback Dicaprio Bootle (17) during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Thursday, July 31, 2025, in Canton, Ohio. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Hendon Hooker (2) during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Thursday, July 31, 2025, in Canton, Ohio. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions guard Kayode Awosika (74), Detroit Lions center Kingsley Eguakun (65), Detroit Lions offensive lineman Michael Niese (62), Detroit Lions tackle Dan Skipper (70), and Detroit Lions quarterback Kyle Allen (8) during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Thursday, July 31, 2025, in Canton, Ohio. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Dominic Lovett (19) during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Thursday, July 31, 2025, in Canton, Ohio. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions punter Jack Fox (3) during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Thursday, July 31, 2025, in Canton, Ohio. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Dominic Lovett (19) during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Thursday, July 31, 2025, in Canton, Ohio. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions edge rusher Ahmed Hassanein (61) during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Thursday, July 31, 2025, in Canton, Ohio. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions safety Dan Jackson (28) during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Thursday, July 31, 2025, in Canton, Ohio. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions center Kingsley Eguakun (65), Detroit Lions running back Craig Reynolds (13), and Detroit Lions tackle Dan Skipper (70) during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Thursday, July 31, 2025, in Canton, Ohio. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions safety Dan Jackson (28), Detroit Lions safety Ian Kennelly (27), and Detroit Lions cornerback Tyson Russell (35) during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Thursday, July 31, 2025, in Canton, Ohio. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions cornerback Tyson Russell (35) during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Thursday, July 31, 2025, in Canton, Ohio. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Jabari Small (42) and Detroit Lions quarterback Hendon Hooker (2) during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Thursday, July 31, 2025, in Canton, Ohio. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions safety Dan Jackson (28) during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Thursday, July 31, 2025, in Canton, Ohio. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions edge rusher Ahmed Hassanein (61) during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Thursday, July 31, 2025, in Canton, Ohio. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions edge rusher Ahmed Hassanein (61) and Detroit Lions linebacker Ezekiel Turner (47) during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Thursday, July 31, 2025, in Canton, Ohio. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions safety Ian Kennelly (27) during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Thursday, July 31, 2025, in Canton, Ohio. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions edge rusher Ahmed Hassanein (61) during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Thursday, July 31, 2025, in Canton, Ohio. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Hendon Hooker (2) during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Thursday, July 31, 2025, in Canton, Ohio. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions cornerback Nick Whiteside (38) and Detroit Lions linebacker Ezekiel Turner (47) during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Thursday, July 31, 2025, in Canton, Ohio. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions edge rusher Ahmed Hassanein (61) during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Thursday, July 31, 2025, in Canton, Ohio. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa (18) and Detroit Lions edge rusher Nate Lynn (57) during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Thursday, July 31, 2025, in Canton, Ohio. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Jacob Saylors (48) during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Thursday, July 31, 2025, in Canton, Ohio. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Jakobie Keeney-James (80) during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Thursday, July 31, 2025, in Canton, Ohio. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Anthony Pittman (41), Detroit Lions linebacker Ezekiel Turner (47), and Detroit Lions safety Ian Kennelly (27) during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Thursday, July 31, 2025, in Canton, Ohio. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Big hit: Ian Kennelly was a tryout player at rookie minicamp who impressed Lions coaches enough with his size and instincts at safety to sign him to the 90-man roster. Kennelly (6-2, 205) showed off that strength and leverage in the third quarter when he came up and body slammed Chargers running back Nyheim Miller-Hines.
Fourth down: Lions head coach Dan Campbell is known for his aggressiveness and that's certainly not going to change in the preseason. Detroit's first touchdown Thursday night was set up by Allen scrambling for a first down on a 4th & 3 and Allen hitting rookie wide receiver Dominic Lovett on a 2-yard pass on a 4th & 1 on the same drive. Hooker failed to get a first down on a 4th & 3 play at the Chargers' 49-yard line in the fourth quarter coming up a yard short on a scramble attempt. He also threw an interception on a 4th & 2 play where Lovett had a chance to make a play but had the football taken away from him.
