Starters seeing action: Lions head coach Dan Campbell mixed more starters into the action Saturday than we saw in Cincinnati for the preseason opener. Defensive lineman Tyleik Williams, edge rusher DJ Wonnum, guard Tate Ratledge, cornerback D.J. Reed, linebacker Derrick Barnes and cornerback Rock Ya-Sin all saw playing time against the Commanders. Wonnum recorded a sack and a tackle for loss. Reed had four tackles and two tackles for loss.
Early reps: Rookie sixth-round pick Skyler Gill-Howard has been one of the good stories of training camp with his playmaking. He's shown the ability to consistently rush the passer from the interior. He's becoming very hard to ignore. He had a few nice rushes from the interior of Detroit's defensive front Saturday, recording a quarterback hit and a tackle for loss.
He said after the game he needs to do a better job finishing at the quarterback with sacks, but Gill-Howard has shown off a lot of quickness, good technique and motor.
One Pride: The Lions faithful never disappoint, whether it's making Ford Field one of the loudest and most difficult places to play in the league or taking over visiting stadiums and turning them blue. They're some of the most faithful in the NFL. Saturday's attendance was 50,042 for a preseason game.
"Oh, it was so cool. Me and Jared (Goff) were just raving about how loud it got," rookie quarterback Luke Altmyer said after the game. "Even the fourth quarter. It was late in the game and people were there in a preseason game. It was super loud, really fun. People were into it. Wasn't many empty seats either. So, it was just super cool. I mean, this stadium and the city has a lot of personality and I'm glad to be a part of it."
Big plays: Second-year tight end Jackson Meeks is trying to make a case for roster inclusion or at least a spot on the practice squad. The former receiver turned tight end has made a nice transition to his new position, and highlight plays like the two he made in the fourth quarter that helped preserve a win over Washington can go a long way into putting himself into those conversations.
He kept a late scoring drive alive with a first-down catch on a 4th & 3 play that led to a field goal. He then helped seal the win for Detroit by forcing a fumble that was recovered by teammate Erick Hunter. That allowed the Lions to run out the rest of the clock. It's plays like those late in games that earn the trust of coaches and teammates.
Edge help: Since the Lions drafted Aidan Hutchinson in 2022, they've looked for consistent edge help opposite of him. Veteran Al-Quadin Muhammad provided 11.0 sacks as a situational rusher last season, but he signed with Tampa Bay this offseason. Wonnum was brought in along with rookie second-round pick Derrick Moore and both have looked good in camp. Both had a sack against the Commanders and they combined for four tackles.
Great blocks: Quarterback Josh Dobbs put Detroit on the board in the first quarter with a 50-yard touchdown run on a read-option play. He got two great blocks from tight end Tyler Conklin and wide receiver Tay Martin on the play. They opened a giant hole for Dobbs to run through and he did the rest. Martin is trying to win one of the final receiver spots on the roster and Conklin is currently tight end No. 3.
"I think it's a testament to them and how locked in they are to the playbook to go out and still be blocking on the backside to allow me to be able to get in the space and make a play," Dobbs said. "So – it's a team game, man. All the big plays, they revolve around all 11 of us on offense and we got to be on the same page. And that's a perfect example of it right there."
Tough decisions: I'd like to be a fly on the wall when the Lions start discussing the wide receiver room and those last couple spots. It's been the deepest receiver room Campbell's had in his Lions tenure, and he admitted after the game the decisions are 'very difficult' right now.
Tom Kennedy, Cedrick Wilson Jr., Tay Martin, Lucky Jackson, Tarik Black, Dominic Lovett and Malik Cunningham have all made plays both on offense and special teams throughout camp. Special teams could carry a little more weight when settling on those final spots as the reserve receivers active on gameday must be special teams performers.
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)
Punt returner: Special teams coordinator Dave Fipp said earlier in the week the punt return job has essentially come down to either Greg Dortch or Kennedy. Both got one crack at a return against Washington and both made the most of it.
Dortch had a nice 16-yard return, avoiding a couple tackles and showing off his shiftiness in space. Kennedy made a couple tacklers miss and nearly broke it loose on a spin move, finishing with a 12-yard return. Both players have shown all through camp they are sure-handed, which is priority No. 1, but they can also make the most of a little space provided by the coverage team.
Making improvements: Following the loss in Cincinnati, Campbell was disappointed in the way the Lions played on third down (4-for-11) and fourth down (0-1), turned the ball over three times and had nine penalties for 84 yards. Campbell said this week he wanted to see improvement from the first preseason game, and we saw it in several areas. Detroit was 9-for-17 on third down, 2-for 2 on fourth down, turned it over one less time and had seven penalties for 35 yards.
Flipping out: Reed got a good half of work in Saturday, finishing with four tackles and two tackles for loss. The last tackle for loss right before the half helped lead to a Commanders punt. After the tackle, Reed celebrated with a back flip. Height and form were good, but he didn't stick the landing.
