Lions beat Commanders 17-13 in preseason, showcase defensive depth

Lions beat Commanders 17-13 in preseason, showcase defensive depth

The Detroit Lions defeated the Washington Commanders 17-13 on August 22 in Detroit, with new edge rusher DJ Wonnum, rookie running back Derrick Moore and several emerging backs standing out as the team evaluated roster spots, according to Pride Of Detroit. The win came after the Lions’ night preseason loss to the Cincinnati Bengals 16-14 on August 13, a game in which defensive end Ahmed Hassanein and running back Jacob Saylors were highlighted while the offensive line struggled. In the days leading up to the Commanders matchup, Detroit rested many starters to give a group of hopefuls playing time, held a short practice focused on late-game scenarios, and released an updated depth chart as head coach Dan Campbell weighed options at quarterback, wide receiver and running back, all reported by Pride Of Detroit.

Actors

Detroit Lions Cincinnati Bengals Dan Campbell Blake Miller Miles Frazier Ahmed Hassanein Ennis Rakestraw

Locations

Detroit Cincinnati

Articles

August 22, 2026
4 total
Lions defeat Commanders 17-13 in preseason matchup, showcase depth on defense and running back group
Lions defeat Commanders 17-13 in preseason matchup, showcase depth on defense and running back group

Pride Of Detroit • 22 Aug 20:15

Detroit beat Washington 17-13 in its sole home preseason game, highlighting contributions from new edge rusher DJ Wonnum, rookie Derrick Moore and emerging running backs as the team evaluates roster spots.

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Detroit Lions preseason victory showcases five players competing for roster spots
Detroit Lions preseason victory showcases five players competing for roster spots

Pride Of Detroit • 22 Aug 19:47

After a preseason win over the Washington Commanders, Detroit Lions coaches identified five players whose performances could improve their chances of making the 53-man roster.

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Lions aim to finalize roster ahead of preseason clash with Commanders
Lions aim to finalize roster ahead of preseason clash with Commanders

Pride Of Detroit • 22 Aug 13:00

Detroit will use Saturday's preseason game against Washington to evaluate ten players who could earn spots on the final 53-man roster.

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Detroit Lions post updated depth chart ahead of preseason matchup with Washington
Detroit Lions post updated depth chart ahead of preseason matchup with Washington

Pride Of Detroit • 22 Aug 12:00

The Lions released a revised roster list for their second preseason game, noting starter selections, injuries and potential role changes as coach Dan Campbell evaluates player participation.

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August 20, 2026
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Lions wind down training camp as defensive standout Jack Campbell shines and O-line shows growing pains
Lions wind down training camp as defensive standout Jack Campbell shines and O-line shows growing pains

Pride Of Detroit • 20 Aug 19:58

The Detroit Lions concluded Day 16 of camp with a light practice, highlighting linebacker Jack Campbell's impact on both sides of the ball while the offensive line continued to work on cohesion.

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August 18, 2026
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Preseason performance reshapes Detroit Lions 2026 roster bubble on defense
Preseason performance reshapes Detroit Lions 2026 roster bubble on defense

Pride Of Detroit • 18 Aug 12:00

The Lions' 16-14 preseason loss to the Bengals highlighted strong defensive play, prompting analysts to adjust their 2026 roster projections for several defensive positions.

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August 17, 2026
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Lions evaluate quarterback, wide receiver depth as roster cut deadline approaches
Lions evaluate quarterback, wide receiver depth as roster cut deadline approaches

Pride Of Detroit • 17 Aug 13:06

Detroit head coach Dan Campbell praised the depth of the wide-receiver group, while the team weighs options at quarterback, running back and other offensive positions ahead of the upcoming roster deadline.

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Detroit Lions project 53-man roster after first preseason game
Detroit Lions project 53-man roster after first preseason game

Pride Of Detroit • 17 Aug 12:00

Analyst predicts the Lions' final roster following a loss to the Bengals, outlining likely cuts and depth-chart decisions across positions.

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August 16, 2026
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Lions preseason loss highlights defensive standouts and offensive workhorse
Lions preseason loss highlights defensive standouts and offensive workhorse

Pride Of Detroit • 16 Aug 12:00

Detroit's preseason defeat to Cincinnati featured strong pass-rush numbers from Ahmed Hassanein, solid run-defense grades for cornerbacks Roger McCreary and rookie Keith Abney, and a productive showing by running back Jacob Saylors.

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Detroit Lions practice emphasizes late-game scenarios and positional battles
Detroit Lions practice emphasizes late-game scenarios and positional battles

Pride Of Detroit • 16 Aug 00:32

The Lions held a short, unpadded practice focusing on one-on-one drills, defensive back pressure, and situational drills, with the offense generally prevailing in end-of-game simulations.

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August 15, 2026
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Detroit Lions preseason opener leaves five players facing uncertain roster futures
Detroit Lions preseason opener leaves five players facing uncertain roster futures

Pride Of Detroit • 15 Aug 12:00

After the Lions' 2025 preseason loss to the Bengals, analysts say center Michael Niese, wide receiver Dominic Lovett, quarterback Luke Altmyer, offensive lineman Miles Frazier and defensive end Payton Turner saw their chances of making the regular-season roster diminish.

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Detroit Lions assess roster after 16-14 preseason loss to Bengals
Detroit Lions assess roster after 16-14 preseason loss to Bengals

Pride Of Detroit • 15 Aug 11:03

The Lions fell 16-14 to Cincinnati in their preseason opener, with defensive end Ahmed Hassanein and running back Jacob Saylors highlighted as top performers, while wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa and cornerback Ennis Rakestraw struggled.

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August 14, 2026
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Lions fall 16-14 to Bengals in preseason opener, defense shows promise
Lions fall 16-14 to Bengals in preseason opener, defense shows promise

Pride Of Detroit • 14 Aug 03:02

Detroit lost its preseason debut to Cincinnati 16-14, with the defense outperforming an inconsistent offense and several players battling for roster spots.

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Bengals edge Lions 16-14 in preseason opener, spotlighting defensive standouts and offensive concerns
Bengals edge Lions 16-14 in preseason opener, spotlighting defensive standouts and offensive concerns

Cincy Jungle • 14 Aug 02:21

Cincinnati defeated Detroit 16-14 in its 2026 preseason debut, with the defense generating turnovers while the offensive line struggled, according to team observations.

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Joe Burrow starts Bengals preseason opener, leads brief drive before backup takes over
Joe Burrow starts Bengals preseason opener, leads brief drive before backup takes over

NBC Sports • 14 Aug 00:06

Quarterback Joe Burrow opened the Bengals' preseason game against the Lions, completing five of six passes before being replaced by Joe Flacco, who threw a touchdown pass.

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August 13, 2026
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Bengals Defeat Lions 13-6 in Preseason Opener
Bengals Defeat Lions 13-6 in Preseason Opener

Pride Of Detroit • 13 Aug 23:26

The Cincinnati Bengals beat the Detroit Lions 13-6 in a Thursday night preseason game, with both teams using the contest to evaluate starters and reserves.

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Lions aim to boost roster chances for ten players in preseason clash with Bengals
Lions aim to boost roster chances for ten players in preseason clash with Bengals

prideofdetroit.com • 13 Aug 16:40

Detroit will rest many starters against Cincinnati, giving a group of hopefuls a chance to improve their standing on the roster.

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Lions face Bengals in preseason opener Thursday night
Lions face Bengals in preseason opener Thursday night

Pride Of Detroit • 13 Aug 11:30

The Detroit Lions will play the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium on Thursday, Aug. 13, with local TV, streaming and radio options listed for fans.

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August 12, 2026
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Lions rookies and young players set to prove worth in preseason game against Bengals
Lions rookies and young players set to prove worth in preseason game against Bengals

Pride Of Detroit • 12 Aug 14:27

Detroit head coach Dan Campbell confirmed that rookie right tackle Blake Miller will see playing time, while several second-year players aim to solidify roster spots in the upcoming preseason matchup.

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