Rookie edge rusher Derrick Moore suffered a minor groin injury early in training camp that forced him to miss a couple weeks of practice and the Detroit Lions' first preseason game in Cincinnati on Aug. 13.
Moore returned to the field this week and immediately got to work, recording a couple sacks in Wednesday's practice. He said this week he was excited for his preseason debut Saturday vs. Washington and was hopeful he could make an impact.
The rookie second-round pick did just that as he recorded a sack, forced fumble, tackle for loss and a couple tackles.
"That was good to see," Lions head coach Dan Campbell said of Moore's performance. "Now I got to watch the tape, but I just know with him he's another young guy who the more reps the better he's going to get."
Moore was the top pass rusher on Detroit's draft board entering Day 2 of the NFL Draft back in April after coming off a 2025 season at Michigan in which he totaled 10.5 tackles for loss and 10.0 sacks. The Lions think he can be a reliable three-down player in the edge rotation with veterans Aidan Hutchinson and DJ Wonnum, who also had a sack Saturday vs. Washington.
"It felt good. That was a good moment for myself and my family," Moore said of his sack on Commanders quarterback Sam Hartman. "It's felt good having the pads back on. Even being back in practice it's felt good. I got to get my legs back underneath myself and play more disciplined football."
The fact that Moore feels like he's still working his way back into form after the time off due to injury and has still made plays in practice and the preseason is a great sign of where his game might be in a few weeks at the start of the regular season. The Lions are going to count on him to be an impact player in the edge room.
GILL-HOWARD KEEPS PRODUCING
Skyler Gill-Howard doesn't have ideal size (6-0, 280) or length for an interior defensive lineman in this league, but what Detroit's 2026 sixth-round draft pick does have is speed, a quick first step and a motor that absolutely never quits. That trio has proven to be more valuable to him and the Lions than size as he continues making plays and being a great story in camp for Detroit.
Gill-Howard lived in the backfield Saturday, causing a bunch of havoc. He didn't record a sack, which he said afterward he has to be better finishing at the quarterback, but he did have a quarterback hit and a tackle for loss. He sped up the clock of Washington's quarterbacks a few other times throughout the course of the contest.
"He just continues to make plays, he does it in practice," Campbell said of Gill-Howard's performance Saturday. "You can feel him out there. He just is relentless. He plays snap to whistle. He plays all out. And he has to be right. He just does because he's not a huge guy. Plays with leverage and he's crafty, man, explosive and violent."
Gill-Howard was getting early snaps with the first-team defense Saturday, something we've seen in practice over the last week too, which is a great sign for him.
View photos from the Detroit Lions vs. Washington Commanders Preseason Week 2 game at Ford Field on Saturday, Aug. 22 in Detroit.
Detroit Lions quarterback Josh Dobbs (6) before an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Blake Miller (76) before an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Luke Altmyer (2) before an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Skyler Gill-Howard (50) before an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Tom Kennedy (85) before an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions cornerback Keith Abney II (28) before an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Greg Dortch (8) before an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa (18) before an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions cornerback D.J. Reed (4) before an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Drew Petzing before an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tight end Tyler Conklin (83) before an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions punter Jack Fox (3) and Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates (39) before an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Raheem Blackshear (42) before an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Josh Dobbs (6) before an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell before an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Luke Altmyer (2) before an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tight end Jackson Meeks (13) before an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Malik Cunningham (15) before an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
The Detroit Lions huddle up before an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Greg Dortch (8) before an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Luke Altmyer (2) before an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tight end Brock Wright (89) before an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive back Avonte Maddox (29) before an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tight end Zach Horton (43) before an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Derrick Barnes (55), Detroit Lions linebacker Trevor Nowaske (53), and Detroit Lions linebacker Troy Reeder (51) before an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tight end Brock Wright (89) during an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Josh Dobbs (6) during an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Tate Ratledge (69), Detroit Lions running back Jabari Small (26), Detroit Lions offensive lineman Juice Scruggs (70) and Detroit Lions offensive lineman Christian Mahogany (73) during an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Devin White (45) during an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Devin White (45) during an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions edge rusher DJ Wonnum (98) sacks Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) during an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions edge rusher DJ Wonnum (98) sacks Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) during an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions edge rusher DJ Wonnum (98) sacks Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) during an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions cornerback Nick Whiteside (38) during an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive back Avonte Maddox (29) and Detroit Lions edge rusher DJ Wonnum (98) celebrate after a sack during an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions edge rusher Derrick Moore (9), Detroit Lions edge rusher DJ Wonnum (98) and Detroit Lions linebacker Derrick Barnes (55) elaborate after a sack during an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Josh Dobbs (6) during an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Jabari Small (26) and Detroit Lions quarterback Josh Dobbs (6) during an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Josh Dobbs (6) during an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Jacob Saylors (25) during an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa (18) and Detroit Lions quarterback Josh Dobbs (6) celebrate after a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Jacob Saylors (25) during an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Josh Dobbs (6) during an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Josh Dobbs (6) scores a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions cornerback Rock Ya-Sin (23) during an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Derrick Barnes (55) during an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Skyler Gill-Howard (50) during an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Skyler Gill-Howard (50) during an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions cornerback D.J. Reed (4) during an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive back Avonte Maddox (29) during an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive back Avonte Maddox (29) during an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Mekhi Wingo (94) and Detroit Lions defensive lineman Skyler Gill-Howard (50) during an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions center Seth McLaughlin (65) and Detroit Lions quarterback Luke Altmyer (2) during an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa (18) during an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell during an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions punter Jack Fox (3) punts during an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions edge rusher Ahmed Hassanein (99) during an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Tom Kennedy (85) during an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Luke Altmyer (2) during an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Trayveon Williams (47) during an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Trayveon Williams (47) and Detroit Lions quarterback Luke Altmyer (2) during an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions cornerback D.J. Reed (4) during an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions cornerback D.J. Reed (4) during an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Luke Altmyer (2) during an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions edge rusher Derrick Moore (9) forces a fumble sacking Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Hartman during an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions center Seth McLaughlin (65), Detroit Lions guard Mason Miller (63), and Detroit Lions offensive lineman Devin Cochran (77) during an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions edge rusher Derrick Moore (9) forces a fumble sacking Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Hartman during an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Skyler Gill-Howard (50) and Detroit Lions edge rusher Ahmed Hassanein (99) during an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions edge rusher Derrick Moore (9) celebrates after forcing a fumble after sacking Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Hartman during an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr. (2) during an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez (44) during an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Raheem Blackshear (42) during an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Raheem Blackshear (42) during an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Josh Dobbs (6) during an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Raheem Blackshear (42) during an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Troy Reeder (51) during an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive back Aamaris Brown (42) during an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Skyler Gill-Howard (50) during an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Greg Dortch (8) during an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Greg Dortch (8) during an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Melvin Priestly (74) and Detroit Lions quarterback Josh Dobbs (6) during an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Trayveon Williams (47) gets a first down during an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Trayveon Williams (47) during an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Josh Dobbs (6) and Detroit Lions center Seth McLaughlin (65) during an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Trayveon Williams (47) scores a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026 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 Washington Commanders on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr. (2) during an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Trevor Nowaske (53) and Detroit Lions edge rusher Eric O'Neill (66) during an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Dominic Lovett (19) during an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Dominic Lovett (19) during an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions edge rusher Ahmed Hassanein (99) during an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions edge rusher Eric O'Neill (66) during an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Malik Cunningham (15) during an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Luke Altmyer (2) and Detroit Lions center Seth McLaughlin (65) during an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tight end Jackson Meeks (13) during an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates (39) kicks a field goal during an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tight end Jackson Meeks (13) celebrates after forcing a fumble during an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Erick Hunter (48) recovers a fumble during an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions cornerback Keith Abney II (28) and Detroit Lions tight end Jackson Meeks (13) celebrate after Detroit Lions linebacker Erick Hunter (48) recovers a fumble during an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Erick Hunter (48) recovers a fumble during an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Erick Hunter (48) celebrates after recovering a fumble during an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Erick Hunter (48) and /38 celebrate after recovering a fumble during an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Erick Hunter (48) celebrates after recovering a fumble during an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Raheem Blackshear (42) during an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell celebrates after Detroit Lions linebacker Erick Hunter (48) recovers a fumble during an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
BIG PLAYS
For back-of-the-roster hopefuls like second-year tight end Jackson Meeks, making impact plays under the bright lights in the preseason is a good way to insert yourself into the conversation when the Lions sit down and make some tough roster decisions.
Meeks, who converted from a big X receiver to tight end this season, led Detroit with four receptions for 33 yards, one of which was a first down reception on a 4th & 3 play. He also forced a critical fumble on a late fourth quarter Commanders kickoff return that was recovered by teammate Erick Hunter to help seal a 17-13 victory.
"I'm just happy to be able to make a play for my team to close out the game," Meeks said. "It's just a blessing to go out there and make plays, make plays on critical downs, and just keep trying to gain trust with my coaches and my teammates and the fans."
EXTRA POINTS
- Veteran wide receiver Cedrick Wilson Jr. left the game after suffering a knee injury. Campbell said after the game he was worried about it, but wouldn't know for certain how serious it was until they get more tests and imaging done.
- Detroit rushed for 169 yards (4.8 average) against Washington with a number of reserve backs fighting for the fourth running back job making nice contributions. Campbell said it's going to be 'very interesting' when they sit down to make roster decisions.
