The Detroit Lions aren't doing joint practices this season, nor did the team opt to hold a rookie camp for their recently drafted players.
Instead, they're focusing on working through OTAs and minicamp, both starting in June. While OTAs aren't mandatory, it feels likely that we'll see all of the Lions' recently signed rookies in attendance, along with Detroit's healthy veterans.
These cutbacks in offseason trainings could mean that Detroit plays more of their starting talent in the preseason, something they've avoided doing as an injury-prevention measure. The team will be suiting up against the Cincinnati Bengals and the Indianapolis Colts on the road, while they'll be hosting the Washington Commanders at Ford Field in between those two road games.
Dan Campbell said of that possibility: "Maybe we play some of these guys in the preseason more than we have. That's where they get some of it."
Not playing starters in the preseason didn't work out too well for them last year, as they kicked off 2025 with a loss in Week 1 and looked completely out of sorts in the process. So, having some starters reps in the preseason seems like the right move for Campbell to make.
This opens the door for a much more entertaining preseason than we've had in a while, and it should offer a nice glimpse into a positional battle between these four players headed into those games.
Lions preseason could provide fireworks thanks to these 4 battles
Keith Abney II vs. Roger McCreary vs. Christian Izien vs. Ennis Rakestraw Jr.
The Lions watched Amik Robertson walk in free agency this offseason, and that leaves a huge hole for them at the nickel. Robertson was solidly impactful for Detroit in that role in 2025, recording 12 passes defended along with two forced fumble and an interception. He also had the most tackles of his career with 52.
McCreary, Izien, and rookie defensive back Abney all present a major threat to Rakestraw's attempt at bouncing back in 2026. The former 61st overall pick has dealt with injuries in his only two years with the Lions, forcing him to play in just eight games in 2024 and none in 2025. 2026 has to work out for him, or else he may find himself as a cut candidate.
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McCreary is a veteran with experience at the NB position, and he was a solid ball hawk for the Tennessee Titans in his rookie season. He's seen his production slip over the last few years, but he's still a solid depth addition who could rival Rakestraw for the starting job. The same goes for Izien, who is a bit more versatile as a corner or safety.
Abney has gotten nothing but praise from analysts who believed he was a third round talent. He landed with Detroit in the fifth round, instead, and he could very well be good enough in camp and the preseason to generate starters snaps conversations.
If he can get anywhere close to his production in his final season with Arizona State - 44 total tackles in addition to 12 passes defended, two interceptions, and two forced fumbles - he'll earn his keep. And, he'll also help to keep Rakestraw on his toes for the 2026 offseason program.
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