The Detroit Lions are hosting the Washington Commanders in their second to last preseason game of the 2026 season, and it should be a solid test for the Lions' young core ahead of their final days of training camp.
The Commanders really shored up their defense this offseason through the draft by selecting Sonny Styles and acquiring Leo Chenal in free agency. However, there are still questions about the viability of their offensive line - sound familiar? - and as a result, the protection around Jayden Daniels and the strength of their run game behind Jacory Croskey-Merritt.
With these questions around the Commanders, the Lions have a few rookies that could, and should, take advantage. We don't know if Washington will be rolling with majority starters to begin this game, or if they'll opt to keep their reserves in for the entire game. Regardless, there are three Lions rookies that need nice showings to continue to build upon their own momentum ahead of Week 1.
3 Lions rookies to keep a close eye on against Commanders
EDGE Derrick Moore
Moore came back with a vengeance in his first practice since suffering a minor strain a few weeks ago. His multi-sack day included beating out rookie tackle Blake Miller to reach Jared Goff, which is an exciting demonstration of the kind of impact he can provide to the Lions' defensive line this year.
As mentioned, the Commanders' offensive line is in major flux. Moore, along with the rest of the Lions' defensive line, should expect to see a lot of experimentation on Saturday afternoon in that respect. Moore can take advantage of these different looks, and doing so would boost his stock as a potential starter in Week 1.
CB Keith Abney II
Detroit's nickel role is still a work in progress. They have a few options at the position, with Abney, Christian Izien, and Roger McCreary all earning reps as of late in Lions training camp, according to team reporter Tim Twentyman:
"Rookie fifth-round pick Keith Abney II has started taking first-team reps at the nickel cornerback spot the last few days. He was good in his preseason debut last week. He had a couple nice plays in coverage Monday, one in particular on St. Brown on an early 3rd & 5 play to force an incompletion and a punt. Abney, Roger McCreary and Christian Izien look to be in a pretty good battle for the nickel role."
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Abney needs to build on a very good preseason debut against a fairly solid Commanders receiving room. Assuming he's a part of the Lions' starting unit to begin this game, and assuming the Commanders throw some starters out on the field to start their offensive series, he'll be a part of a secondary looking to shut Stefon Diggs' and Terry McLaurin's water off. Quite the trial by fire.
DT Skyler Gill-Howard
While there likely isn't a world where Gill-Howard jumps anyone for a starting job, the defensive tackle has shown enough promise in training camp and in his first preseason game to warrant a shot at making the 53-man roster over players like Chris Smith or Myles Adams.
Gill-Howard had two quarterback hits against Josh Johnson in Week 1 of the preseason, and was just a disruptive presence as a pass rusher. He's shown steady improvement throughout training camp, which is impressive work from a 6th round pick who seemed like a lock for the practice squad headed into camp.
The tackle, who models his game after future Hall of Famer Aaron Donald, could prove his value to the Lions with some more games where he demonstrates his pass rushing talent.
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