Following their 16-14 preseason opener loss to the Cincinnati Bengals on the road, the Detroit Lions look to rebound in their only home game of the preseason on Saturday against the Washington Commanders.
A significant number of starters are expected to play for the Lions against the Commanders, according to coach Dan Campbell, allowing key players to showcase improvements this offseason into the NFL season. The Lions are fresh off a 2025 season in which they took a step back after consecutive NFC North titles, finishing at 9-8 and missing the playoffs.
As the Lions prepare to take on the Commanders and aim to earn a preseason win in front of their home fans at Ford Field, here’s a look at three starters with the most to prove in Saturday’s matchup.
Isaac TeSlaa
Expectations are high for wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa entering his second season for the Lions. TeSlaa struggled in the Lions' preseason opener against the Bengals, and fans hope it doesn't result in a sophomore slump for the 2025 third-round pick out of Arkansas.
In the preseason road loss to the Bengals, TeSlaa failed to catch a crucial fourth-down late in the game, and Luke Altmyer’s one interception came after a pass went right through TeSlaa’s hands.
TeSlaa finished the game with no catches on three targets. It definitely wasn't the game Lions fans were expecting from their young wide receiver star. On Saturday against the Commanders, look for TeSlaa to get more involved offensively for the Lions.
A performance similar to last year’s preseason home matchup against the Houston Texans, in which TeSlaa finished with two receptions for 41 yards and a touchdown, will put Lions fans' worries about the second-year wide receiver at ease.
Blake Miller
2026 first-round draft pick out of Clemson, right tackle Blake Miller, made his preseason debut against the Bengals. In his debut, Miller logged quality snaps for the Lions and handled the speed of an opposing NFL defensive line well.
READ MORE: Seahawks are living through the exact Terrion Arnold nightmare the Lions avoided
The potential is high for Miller, who Detroit selected to improve its offensive line after last season’s struggles. With attention now shifted to the Commanders game, Miller's role for the Lions' offensive line could continue to increase, especially with the recent wrist injury to former Carolina Panthers center Cade Mays.
Tyleik Williams
On the defensive side, expectations are high this season for Tyleik Williams to make an impact up front for the Lions. During his rookie season, Williams played in all 17 games but was a non-factor for Detroit, finishing with 18 total tackles and one sack.
The former Ohio State defensive tackle, whom the Lions selected at No. 28 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, has the potential to be a critical piece of the Detroit defensive line, and he must take a step forward this season.
If Williams plays against the Commanders, a quality defensive performance could be the boost he needs heading into a massive second season with the Lions. The kickoff on Saturday between the Lions and Commanders is scheduled for 12 p.m. ET.
Add us as a preferred source on Google