Football is finally back! The Detroit Lions are scheduled to play their first of three preseason games on Thursday night when they face the Cincinnati Bengals on the road.
While many Lions starters are expected not to see game action in their preseason opener against the Bengals, there are a few Detroit rookies who'll be worth watching as they take the NFL field for the very first time. Here's a look at those Lions rookies and the impact they can have in the preseason opener against the Bengals.
Blake Miller, OT
Expectations are high for Lions rookie offensive tackle Blake Miller, especially following the recent injury news regarding former Carolina Panthers center Cade Mays, who suffered a fractured bone in his wrist and is expected to miss 8-10 weeks.
Miller is expected to play in the preseason opener against the Bengals, allowing him to showcase his skills in what will be a critical season for the Lions' offensive line after a year in which the group took a step back. The Lions selected Miller out of Clemson at No. 17 overall with the expectation for him to be a critical piece of the offensive line group.
Luke Altmyer, QB
With Jared Goff set to sit out and Teddy Bridgewater's recent retirement, former Illinois Fighting Illini quarterback and rookie Luke Altmyer will see game action against the Bengals. The Lions signed the former Fighting Illini star as an undrafted free agent, and in Thursday's opener, Altmyer looks to show his potential. Joshua Dobbs, whom the Lions recently signed, will also receive reps against the Bengals.
READ MORE: 5 of the Lions' most interesting offensive players before the preseason
Throughout his five-year collegiate career, which began with the Ole Miss Rebels before transferring to Illinois in 2023, Altmyer threw for 7,924 yards, 60 touchdowns, and 24 interceptions. Altmyer is best known for his career with the Fighting Illini, as he was the starter for three seasons from 2023 to 2025.
Keith Abney II, CB
With former Michigan Wolverines stars Derrick Moore and Jimmy Rolder sidelined with injuries that they both suffered during training camp, the attention now turns to the Lions' fifth-round draft selection, Arizona State Sun Devils cornerback Keith Abney II, who is expected to play against the Bengals.
Throughout training camp, the former Arizona State cornerback has been fighting for a starting role. In the preseason opener in Cincinnati, Abney will have a chance to prove he's worthy of that role, as the Bengals are set to play their starters on Thursday, including quarterback Joe Burrow.
The Lions selected Abney at No. 157 overall in the fifth round of the 2026 NFL Draft following three seasons with the Sun Devils in which he collected 98 total tackles, six interceptions, two forced fumbles, and one sack.
Add us as a preferred source on Google