The Detroit Lions host the Washington Commanders for their second preseason game at Ford Field in Detroit, according to the Detroit Free Press. The matchup kicks off at noon ET on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026, as both teams continue preparations for the regular season, Yahoo Sports reports. The Lions enter the contest looking to bounce back from a 16-14 preseason opening loss to the Cincinnati Bengals on Aug. 13.
Preseason Game 2 Details and Broadcast Information
For television viewers, the game will be broadcast on the Lions TV Network, with coverage available on WJBK-TV (Channel 2) in Detroit and other affiliate stations across Michigan and Toledo, Ohio. Streaming options are available on Fubo for Detroit-area viewers, while fans in Washington can watch via WUSA. The broadcast booth features play-by-play announcer Jason Benetti alongside former NFL offensive lineman TJ Lang.
Quarterback Battle and Roster Plans
Head coach Dan Campbell announced that starting quarterback Jared Goff will not play in the game against Washington, according to Pride of Detroit. Veteran quarterback Josh Dobbs is scheduled to get the start, though he will split reps equally with undrafted rookie Luke Altmyer. Altmyer has taken the majority of second-string quarterback reps during training camp following Teddy Bridgewater’s retirement, while Dobbs has emerged as the favorite to secure the backup role behind Goff.
In contrast to the preseason opener against Cincinnati—where the Lions rested 32 players, including 18 starters—Campbell indicated that a significant number of starters are expected to play against Washington. However, Campbell also noted that plans could shift after a heavy practice week that included multiple padded sessions and a full-team scrimmage.
Offensive Line Adjustments and Depth Updates
Detroit’s offensive line has undergone several adjustments during training camp, particularly with a wrist injury sidelining starting center Cade Mays for the opening weeks of the regular season, Detroit Lions reports. Juice Scruggs, acquired from Houston in the David Montgomery trade, has taken a majority of first-team reps at center since returning from a soft-tissue injury.
At left guard, Christian Mahogany has handled the bulk of first-team reps over recent weeks and holds the inside track for the regular-season role, especially with veteran Ben Bartch in concussion protocol. Projected starters on the offensive line include Penei Sewell or swing tackle Larry Borom at left tackle, Christian Mahogany at left guard, Juice Scruggs at center, Tate Ratledge at right guard, and rookie Blake Miller at right tackle.
Defensive Alignments and Personnel Status
The Lions have shifted to a 4-2-5 defensive formation featuring two starting linebackers, Derrick Barnes and Jack Campbell, alongside a true nickel cornerback CA Yahoo Sports notes. Roger McCreary is listed as the starting nickel back, with Christian Izien serving as the backup. At the cornerback positions, D.J. Reed and Rock Ya-Sin lead the depth chart.
In the secondary, starting safeties Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph have remained on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, leaving Chuck Clark and Avonte Maddox to take first-team reps. On the defensive line, Alim McNeill and Tyleik Williams are listed as starting tackles, with Aidan Hutchinson and D.J. Wonnum anchoring the edge.
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