The Detroit Lions dropped their third preseason game to the Buffalo Bills Friday night, 24-20.
After much speculation prior to the game, quarterback Matthew Stafford saw his first action of the preseason, playing most of the first half and leading the offense on a touchdown drive.
"I think anytime you can go out there and play full on tackle football, where I don't have a red jersey on and go play, the more experience you get the better," Stafford said after the game.
"There's going to be plays that I had tonight that I'll learn from both good and bad. Every time I step out there it's a learning experience. I'm trying to do everything I can to make sure we score a bunch of points, but at the same time I'm going to learn from it."
There were a lot of positive takeaways from the starting offense and defense, but they were overshadowed by injuries to key players on both units. Linebacker Jarrad Davis and center Frank Ragnow both left the game with injuries in the first half and did not return.
"With JD and Frank, there's nothing really to report right now," head coach Matt Patricia said after the game. "We'll see what it looks like tomorrow and go through the medical procedures to see what that looks like and go from there. We certainly just got to keep pushing forward as far as getting ready to go."
View photos from the Detroit Lions vs. Buffalo Bills Preseason Week 3 game at Ford Field on Friday, Aug. 23, 2019 in Detroit.
Marvin Jones Jr. before a NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills on Friday, Aug. 23, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions kicker Matt Prater (5) before a NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills on Friday, Aug. 23, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Danny Amendola smiles before a NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills on Friday, Aug. 23, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions cornerback Jamal Agnew (39) before a NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills on Friday, Aug. 23, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions long snapper Don Muhlbach (48) smiles before a NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills on Friday, Aug. 23, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Paul Pasqualoni before a NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills on Friday, Aug. 23, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions punter Sam Martin (6) before a NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills on Friday, Aug. 23, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) smiles before a NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills on Friday, Aug. 23, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions head coach Matt Patricia before a NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills on Friday, Aug. 23, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions defensive backs before a NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills on Friday, Aug. 23, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions kicker Matt Prater (5) before a NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills on Friday, Aug. 23, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions wide receiver Danny Amendola (80) in the tunnel for introductions before a NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills on Friday, Aug. 23, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions flag crew in the tunnel before a NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills on Friday, Aug. 23, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions captains Detroit Lions long snapper Don Muhlbach (48), Detroit Lions linebacker Jarrad Davis (40) and Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) before a NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills on Friday, Aug. 23, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions defensive tackle Damon Harrison Sr. (98) during a NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills on Friday, Aug. 23, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions punter Sam Martin (6) kicks off to start a NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills on Friday, Aug. 23, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions defensive tackle Mike Daniels (96) during a NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills on Friday, Aug. 23, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions wide receiver Danny Amendola (80) during a NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills on Friday, Aug. 23, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions kicker Matt Prater (5) during a NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills on Friday, Aug. 23, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) points out a defender during a NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills on Friday, Aug. 23, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Frank Ragnow (77) during a NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills on Friday, Aug. 23, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions linebacker Jahlani Tavai (51) makes a tackle during a NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills on Friday, Aug. 23, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions punter Sam Martin (6) during a NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills on Friday, Aug. 23, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions linebacker Jahlani Tavai (51) on punt coverage during a NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills on Friday, Aug. 23, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions running back C.J. Anderson (26) during a NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills on Friday, Aug. 23, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin (44) during a NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills on Friday, Aug. 23, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions cornerback Darius Slay (23) during a NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills on Friday, Aug. 23, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions linebacker Jahlani Tavai (51) during a NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills on Friday, Aug. 23, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions cornerback Darius Slay (23) during a NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills on Friday, Aug. 23, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions defensive end Romeo Okwara (95) and Detroit Lions defensive tackle A'Shawn Robinson (91) during a NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills on Friday, Aug. 23, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) during a NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills on Friday, Aug. 23, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions tackle Rick Wagner (71) during a NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills on Friday, Aug. 23, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions cornerback Darius Slay (23) celebrates a pass breakup with a finger wag during a NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills on Friday, Aug. 23, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions linebacker Christian Jones (52) during a NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills on Friday, Aug. 23, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions guard Joe Dahl (66) during a NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills on Friday, Aug. 23, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions guard Joe Dahl (66) and Detroit Lions tackle Taylor Decker (68) during a NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills on Friday, Aug. 23, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions cornerback Justin Coleman (27) forces a fumble during a NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills on Friday, Aug. 23, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions defensive back Quandre Diggs (28) recovers a fumble during a NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills on Friday, Aug. 23, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions defensive tackle Mike Daniels (96) during a NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills on Friday, Aug. 23, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions tight end T.J. Hockenson (88) during a NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills on Friday, Aug. 23, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions center/guard Graham Glasgow (60) during a NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills on Friday, Aug. 23, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions tackle Taylor Decker (68) during a NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills on Friday, Aug. 23, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions running back C.J. Anderson (26) during a NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills on Friday, Aug. 23, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions tight end T.J. Hockenson (88) during a NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills on Friday, Aug. 23, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) during a NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills on Friday, Aug. 23, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions kicker Matt Prater (5) during a NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills on Friday, Aug. 23, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions head coach Matt Patricia during a NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills on Friday, Aug. 23, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions long snapper Don Muhlbach (48) during a NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills on Friday, Aug. 23, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) during a NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills on Friday, Aug. 23, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions kicker Matt Prater (5) during a NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills on Friday, Aug. 23, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions wide receiver Danny Amendola (80) during a NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills on Friday, Aug. 23, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions running back C.J. Anderson (26) during a NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills on Friday, Aug. 23, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) during a NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills on Friday, Aug. 23, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions tight end Jesse James (83) during a NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills on Friday, Aug. 23, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) during a NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills on Friday, Aug. 23, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions wide receiver Danny Amendola (80) during a NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills on Friday, Aug. 23, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions running back Kerryon Johnson (33) during a NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills on Friday, Aug. 23, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions defensive back Quandre Diggs (28) celebrates a fumble recovery during a NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills on Friday, Aug. 23, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions tackle Taylor Decker (68) during a NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills on Friday, Aug. 23, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin (44) during a NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills on Friday, Aug. 23, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions defensive tackle Damon Harrison Sr. (98) during a NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills on Friday, Aug. 23, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions cornerback Darius Slay (23) during a NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills on Friday, Aug. 23, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions wide receiver Kenny Golladay (19) during a NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills on Friday, Aug. 23, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions safety Tavon Wilson (32) and Detroit Lions tight end Logan Thomas (82) on special teams during a NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills on Friday, Aug. 23, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions punter Sam Martin (6) punts during a NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills on Friday, Aug. 23, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions running back Ty Johnson (38) catches a touchdown pass during a NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills on Friday, Aug. 23, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions running back Ty Johnson (38) celebrates a touchdown catch during a NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills on Friday, Aug. 23, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions safety C.J. Moore (49) forces a fumble on kickoff coverage during a NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills on Friday, Aug. 23, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions safety Will Harris (43) recovers a fumble on kickoff coverage during a NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills on Friday, Aug. 23, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions safety C.J. Moore (49) forces a fumble on kickoff coverage during a NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills on Friday, Aug. 23, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions kicker Matt Prater (5) kicks a 61-yard field goal during a NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills on Friday, Aug. 23, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions kicker Matt Prater (5) and Detroit Lions punter Sam Martin (6) celebrate Prater's 61-yard field goal during a NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills on Friday, Aug. 23, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions kicker Matt Prater (5) and Detroit Lions punter Sam Martin (6) celebrate Prater's 61-yard field goal during a NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills on Friday, Aug. 23, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions center/guard Graham Glasgow (60) and Detroit Lions guard Joe Dahl (66) during a NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills on Friday, Aug. 23, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions cornerback Jamal Agnew (39) returns a kickoff during a NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills on Friday, Aug. 23, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions punter Sam Martin (6) during a NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills on Friday, Aug. 23, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions quarterback David Fales (8) during a NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills on Friday, Aug. 23, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions center/guard Graham Glasgow (60), Detroit Lions guard Joe Dahl (66) and Detroit Lions offensive lineman Andrew Donnal (78) during a NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills on Friday, Aug. 23, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions wide receiver Danny Amendola (80) during a NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills on Friday, Aug. 23, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions running back Ty Johnson (38) during a NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills on Friday, Aug. 23, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions quarterback David Fales (8) scrambles during a NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills on Friday, Aug. 23, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions running back Mark Thompson (49) runs for a touchdown during a NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills on Friday, Aug. 23, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions running back Mark Thompson (49) during a NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills on Friday, Aug. 23, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions running back Zach Zenner (34) during a NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills on Friday, Aug. 23, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions safety C.J. Moore (49) celebrates a pass breakup during a NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills on Friday, Aug. 23, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions defensive end Mitchell Loewen (70) during a NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills on Friday, Aug. 23, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions linebacker Malik Carney (53) during a NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills on Friday, Aug. 23, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions linebacker Anthony Pittman (57) pursues a fumble during a NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills on Friday, Aug. 23, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions defensive tackle Damon Harrison Sr. (98) and Detroit Lions defensive tackle Mike Daniels (96) on the bench during a NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills on Friday, Aug. 23, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions cornerback Andre Chachere (36) celebrates a tackle during a NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills on Friday, Aug. 23, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions quarterback Josh Johnson (4) during a NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills on Friday, Aug. 23, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions wide receiver Tom Kennedy (85) fields a punt during a NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills on Friday, Aug. 23, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions cornerback Andre Chachere (36) during a NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills on Friday, Aug. 23, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions wide receiver Marvin Jones Jr. (11) smiles during a NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills on Friday, Aug. 23, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions punter Ryan Santoso (2) during a NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills on Friday, Aug. 23, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions linebacker Anthony Pittman (57) during a NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills on Friday, Aug. 23, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions head coach Matt Patricia and Detroit Lions defensive tackle Damon Harrison Sr. (98) during a NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills on Friday, Aug. 23, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions wide receiver Kenny Golladay (19) smiles during a NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills on Friday, Aug. 23, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions defensive end Trey Flowers (90) smiles during a NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills on Friday, Aug. 23, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions head coach Matt Patricia during a NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills on Friday, Aug. 23, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions defensive tackle Damon Harrison Sr. (98) during a NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills on Friday, Aug. 23, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions defensive back Quandre Diggs (28) and Detroit Lions defensive end Trey Flowers (90) during a NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills on Friday, Aug. 23, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions running back Ty Johnson (38) during a NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills on Friday, Aug. 23, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions defensive tackle A'Shawn Robinson (91) during a NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills on Friday, Aug. 23, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions wide receiver Marvin Jones Jr. (11) and Detroit Lions wide receiver Kenny Golladay (19) talk before a NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills on Friday, Aug. 23, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions tight end Jesse James (83) and Detroit Lions tight end T.J. Hockenson (88) during a NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills on Friday, Aug. 23, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions during the National Anthem before a NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills on Friday, Aug. 23, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions cornerback Darius Slay (23) during a NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills on Friday, Aug. 23, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions defensive tackle Damon Harrison Sr. (98) takes the field during introductions before a NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills on Friday, Aug. 23, 2019 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
LIONS SIGN HARRISON TO EXTENSION
The Lions announced Thursday that they signed defensive tackle Damon Harrison Sr. to a one-year contract extension.
Harrison started training camp on the Non-Football Injury List, but was removed from the list in Houston. He took part in practice the past two weeks, and started Friday night against the Bills.
Since his return to the field, Harrison has been working to build chemistry with new defensive line teammates Trey Flowers and Mike Daniels.
"It's really nice to get out there with the guys and the more you play together the better you get to understand everybody and know who you're playing with and build that chemistry," Daniels said. "Everybody has the right attitude around here and I don't foresee chemistry being an issue. I think we can just step out there together because of how everyone already gets along personally. We just all have similar mentality. Everyone wants to get better every day."
OTHER NOTEWORTHY ITEMS
- Go behind the scenes of the Lions' trip to Houston with Episode 4 of Inside the Den.
- Watch Tori Petry's report on where the rookies stand with one week left in the preseason.
