Allen Park — When the Detroit Lions take on the Washington Commanders in Saturday's preseason game at Ford Field, expect to see a number of Detroit's starters in uniform. Lions coach Dan Campbell wouldn't reveal a full list of those he plans to have participate Saturday — "Not everybody will play," he assured — but he did say, "We are going to play a significant amount of starters. That's my plan right now." Against the Cincinnati Bengals on Thursday, the Lions had 59 players suited up, with most of their expected starters and key contributors attending but not playing. Exceptions included the entire rookie class, wide receivers Isaac TeSlaa and Greg Dortch, offensive lineman Christian Mahogany and safety Chuck Clark, among others.
The Lions have traditionally not played their starters in the preseason since Campbell was hired in 2021. But when asked about playing starters this year, Campbell on July 29 said, "I would like to. But there again, this thing moves as we get through these practices. What do we look like? Who needs work? Do they need to play together? Are there players that aren't getting enough intensity in practice? ... We'll work around that stuff. "Right now, I would like to, but we'll see how it goes.” Detroit's first-team offensive line could benefit from seeing a few series together, especially after starting center Cade Mays (wrist) went down with an injury that's reportedly expected to keep him sidelined until October. In Mays' place at practice has mostly been Juice Scruggs and Seth McLaughlin, with Tate Ratledge also seeing snaps at the position Sunday. "I think that was just getting him some reps," Campbell said of Ratledge playing center at Sunday's practice. "I mean, one way or another, he's going to have to be able to help us there if it comes down to that, where he's the guy or he's our next available center at the game. (That's) if something happens (injury wise), knock on wood." rsilva@detroitnews.com @rich_silva18 This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Lions will play 'significant amount of starters' in next preseason game