The Detroit Lions will close out preseason play on Saturday afternoon against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. After a 17-13 home win over the Washington Commanders, the Lions aim to finish preseason play at 2-1.
With the kickoff for Saturday’s preseason game between the Lions and Colts scheduled for 1 p.m. ET, here are three things to watch as Detroit looks to close out preseason with a win against an AFC South foe.
Can Lions get off to stronger start vs. Colts?
Despite last week’s win over the Commanders, the Lions struggled to start against Washington as their first two drives featured a fumble recovery for a touchdown and a Josh Dobbs interception.
Fortunately for the Lions, Dobbs' 50-yard touchdown run on the following drive helped Detroit get back on track. The Lions' defense held the Commanders to two field goals for the remainder of the game. It was a dominant defensive performance led by two rookies, Skyler Gill-Howard and Derrick Moore.
Both rookies, who the Lions selected in the 2026 NFL Draft, look to build off their performances against the Colts. It’ll be interesting to see if the Lions come out of the gate strong against a Colts squad that’s still searching for its first preseason win. The Colts tied the New England Patriots and lost 34-6 to the Atlanta Falcons.
READ MORE: Yet another 2024 Lions draft pick may be on the outs as roster cuts loom
Will Jackson Meeks build off his strong performance?
Lions wide receiver Jackson Meeks put together a strong showing in Detroit’s win over the Commanders. In the win, Meeks led the Lions in receiving, recording four receptions for 33 yards and a touchdown.
Meeks also helped force a critical fumble late in the fourth quarter on a kickoff, helping seal the Lions' win over the Commanders. Still looking to earn a spot on the Lions' 53-man roster, Meeks remains a player to watch in the preseason finale against the Colts.
Tyler Conklin and Brock Wright tight end No. 2 battle
The Lions received positive injury news on Tuesday as star tight end Sam LaPorta returned to practice after suffering a minor hip injury. Even with his return, the battle for the backup tight end role remains undecided between Brock Wright and Tyler Conklin.
Against the Commanders, Conklin recorded 21 receiving yards on two receptions compared to Wright’s one. The two will continue to battle it out against the Colts, as the backup role could be on the line.
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