As the 2025 preseason kicks into high gear, the Detroit Lions continue to embrace their distinct philosophy of pushing starters during practice while resting them during games. It’s an approach that’s become somewhat of a signature for head coach Dan Campbell, and this year, against the Los Angeles Chargers in the Hall of Fame preseason game, they’re sticking to their guns.
After an intense scrimmage earlier in the week, Campbell indicated that the starters will not see any action against the Chargers. “This will be our first scrimmage that we will have in camp here. Most of it will be focused on the group of guys that I don’t see playing in a couple of days for the Chargers,” he explained. The intention is clear: allow the team’s primary contributors to rest while giving valuable reps to younger players who are vying for spots on the roster.
However, it seems that Campbell’s strategy has evolved slightly, particularly concerning a few standout rookies. Despite earlier comments suggesting that younger guys would occupy significant roles during the preseason, the first-round selection, Tyleik Williams, and second-round choice, Tate Ratledge, have been working closely with the starters throughout training camp. “I don’t think I’m going to play Tate (Ratledge) or Leik (Tyleik Williams) this game,” Campbell stated, emphasizing a team-first mentality and weighing the long-term benefits of waiting to play these promising rookies. “We talked about it as a staff, and it’s like, ‘Why don’t we just wait? Maybe play him in Atlanta?’ So I think we’ll hold tight.”
Given the Lions’ recent history, it’s no surprise that they plan to rest a hefty number of players. Last year, the team sat 28 players in their first preseason game, and the year before that, it was 27. This time around, fans should prepare for a similar scenario, which has become a hallmark of Detroit’s preseason strategy.
To paint a clearer picture, let’s outline some players who are expected to sit out Thursday night based on their significant reps during Tuesday’s scrimmage. At quarterback, Jared Goff will likely be among those resting, accompanied by running backs Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery. Receiving duties will fall on the shoulders of a younger crop, as starters Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, Tim Patrick, and Kalif Raymond take a seat.
The tight end position will also see Sam LaPorta and Brock Wright resting, while the offensive line, which has seen Penei Sewell, Graham Glasgow, Ratledge, Christian Mahogany, and Dan Skipper play extensively, might lean on backups during the game. On the defensive side, edge rushers Aidan Hutchinson and Marcus Davenport, along with defensive tackles DJ Reeder and the aforementioned Williams, are also expected to sit.
The linebacker corps features names like Jack Campbell, Derrick Barnes, and Alex Anzalone, who may be taking the night off, with Anzalone having his workload managed as he returns from injury. In the secondary, DJ Reed and Terrion Arnold, along with safeties Brian Branch and Avonte Maddox, round out the list of players who could very well be resting up for the regular season.
It’s worth noting that the depth chart will likely see fluctuations as the Lions navigate their roster decisions. For example, Ratledge and Mahogany each took a brief breather during the scrimmage, opening the door for Kayode Awosika to demonstrate his versatility. If Awosika isn’t called into action on Thursday, it’s a considerable signal that he’s carving out a spot on this team.
As for the tackle position, Skipper shared reps with Jamarco Jones, but with limited depth at that spot, the coaching staff may need to count on Jones to step up significantly. Meanwhile, as Anzalone resumes his role, Zach Cunningham’s status remains uncertain, adding another layer of strategy for the coaching staff as they manage player readiness.
Lastly, Arnold, who took a hit during practice, was evaluated for a hamstring injury and is unlikely to suit up. As the Lions position themselves for the upcoming season, these decisions reflect Campbell’s commitment to balancing the immediate needs of preseason play with the long-term goals of the franchise. It’s a high-stakes game of chess, and the Lions look poised to make calculated moves that set them up for success come regular season.
