Three in a row: Rookie wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa had the only score for the Lions Saturday in a 26-7 loss to the Houston Texans with a 33-yard touchdown grab on a perfectly thrown ball by quarterback Kyle Allen in the first quarter.
It's the third straight preseason game with a touchdown for TeSlaa, who's been terrific for Detroit in camp and is likely to play a role on offense and special teams early in the season. He even pulled out the worm for his touchdown celebration and nailed that too. There hasn't been anything this youngster can't do since being selected in the third round of this year's NFL Draft.
Backup QB: Allen played two series Saturday and was 5-for-5 passing for 66 yards with a touchdown and a 158.3 rating. Allen was terrific all training camp and finished the preseason 35-for-44 passing for 401 yards with five touchdowns and two interceptions for a 123.6 passer rating. I expect him to be Jared Goff’s backup when the regular season begins.
Tough outing: It was a tough outing for quarterback Hendon Hooker, who is trying to make a case for inclusion on the initial 53-man roster. Hooker was just 6-of-11 passing for 70 yards with no touchdowns and an interception. The Lions gained just 90 total yards of offense in Hooker's six series of work Saturday.
Defensive standouts: I thought linebacker Trevor Nowaske and safety Loren Strickland had really nice performances Saturday. Nowaske played the MIKE and WILL, finishing with nine tackles and a quarterback hit. Strickland was all over the field in the pass and run games, finishing with nine tackles and a tackle for loss.
Kickoff return: The Lions think they might have something in veteran linebacker Grant Stuard as a kickoff returner. They love his speed and north-south run style and have been teaching him ball security along the way. His first kickoff return Saturday nearly went to the house but the last defender was able trip him up at the 45-yard line after a 44-yard return.
No receptions: We've talked a lot about rookies Jackson Meeks and Dominic Lovett and the battle for potentially the last roster spot at receiver. Both had good camps but both players were held without a catch in the preseason finale Saturday.
Edge rotation: Veteran edge rusher Al-Quadin Muhammad proved last year he could be an asset with 3.0 sacks and eight pressures in nine games played for the Lions. Muhammad recorded his second sack of the preseason Saturday heading to the regular season with a good shot at making the initial 53-man roster and being part of Detroit's depth along the edge of their defensive line.
Pride of the Lions: The team announced Saturday that Robert Porcher will be inducted into the Pride of the Lions at halftime of the team's home opener Sept. 14 vs. Chicago. Porcher is the franchise's all-time sack leader with 95.5.
View photos from the Detroit Lions vs. Houston Texans Preseason Week 3 game at Ford Field on Saturday, August 23 in Detroit.
Detroit Lions cornerback Amik Robertson (21) before an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions cornerback Khalil Dorsey (30) before an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions cornerback D.J. Reed (4) before an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (5) and Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (0) before an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Craig Reynolds (13) before an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Kyle Allen (8) before an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Hendon Hooker (2) before an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) before an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) before an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa (18) before an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Jakobie Keeney-James (80) before an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Kyle Allen (8) before an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Ronnie Bell (10) before an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Hendon Hooker (2) before an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Grant Stuard (15) before an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Craig Reynolds (13) before an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Jacob Saylors (48) before an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Kalif Raymond (11) and Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell before an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa (18) before an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions cornerback Khalil Dorsey (30) before an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tight end Steven Stilianos (43) before an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions safety Ian Kennelly (27) before an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold (6) before an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
The Detroit Lions huddle before an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard before an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold (6) before an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Grant Stuard (15) returns a kick during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Grant Stuard (15) returns a kick during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Anthony Pittman (41) and Detroit Lions linebacker Grant Stuard (15) during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Jacob Saylors (48) during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Craig Reynolds (13) hurdles over a defender during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Craig Reynolds (13) during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Craig Reynolds (13) during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Giovanni Manu (59) during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa (18) catches a touchdown pass during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa (18) scores a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa (18) and Detroit Lions wide receiver Dominic Lovett (19) celebrate after a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates (39) kicks an extra point during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Tom Kennedy (85) during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions edge rusher Al-Quadin Muhammad (96) during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Jacob Saylors (48) and Detroit Lions wide receiver Dominic Lovett (19) during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Pat O'Connor (95) during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions edge rusher Al-Quadin Muhammad (96) during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Grant Stuard (15) during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions edge rusher Mitchell Agude (50) during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions edge rusher Isaac Ukwu (45) during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions edge rusher Nate Lynn (57) during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Trevor Nowaske (53) during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Jacob Saylors (48) during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions cornerback Avonte Maddox (29) during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Grant Stuard (15) and Detroit Lions defensive lineman Myles Adams (66) during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions edge rusher Nate Lynn (57) during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions edge rusher Mitchell Agude (50) during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Myles Adams (66) during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions edge rusher Al-Quadin Muhammad (96) sacks Houston Texans quarterback Graham Mertz (18) during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions edge rusher Al-Quadin Muhammad (96) celebrates after a sack during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions edge rusher Al-Quadin Muhammad (96) celebrates after a sack during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Jacob Saylors (48) and Detroit Lions quarterback Hendon Hooker (2) during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions safety Loren Strickland (24) during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions cornerback Tyson Russell (35) during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Tom Kennedy (85) during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Hendon Hooker (2) during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions cornerback Tyson Russell (35) during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Ronnie Bell (10) during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Deon Jackson (36) during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker DaRon Gilbert (43) during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Hendon Hooker (2) during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Jacob Saylors (48) and Detroit Lions quarterback Hendon Hooker (2) during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Gunner Britton (78) during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Zack Johnson (77), Detroit Lions guard Netane Muti (52), Detroit Lions quarterback Hendon Hooker (2), and Detroit Lions running back Jacob Saylors (48) during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Hit stick: Strickland electrified the Ford Field crowd midway through the third quarter when he blew up Texans tight end Harrison Bryant after a 9-yard reception on a 3rd & 26 play. Strickland brought the boom on several occasions Saturday, showing off his physicality and sure tackling.
O-line depth: The starters upfront Saturday represent Detroit's depth along the offensive line. Who are the key backup heading into the season? From left to right the starters Saturday were Giovanni Manu (LT), Netane Muti (LG), Kingsley Eguakun (C), Kayode Awosika (RG) and Dan Skipper (RT).
