The Detroit Lions have a lot to overcome going into the second week of the preseason. While their changes on the sidelines are a big deal to contend with, the team also came out of Week 1 with a harrowing scene on the football field. After safety Morice Norris went down with a brutal hit to his head and the game was subsequently suspended, the Lions need to bounce back in Week 2 against the Miami Dolphins.
Given the brutality of the injury, head coach Dan Campbell could revert to his original idea of not giving his starters playing time in the preseason. However, some on-field action and reps before the regular season begins might be a smart idea to build form and chemistry. With both options equally probable, which way will Campbell swing against Miami?
Will Jared Goff and Key Lions Starters Play Against the Dolphins?
Since taking over the organization, Campbell has shied away from giving his starters action in the preseason. However, the process hasn’t mattered, as he’s flipped the script on the franchise entirely.
Coming off a 15-win season, Detroit has a lot of changes to contend with. There is the emotional toll of two consecutive brutal losses in the playoffs to end wildly successful seasons. And there is the tangible change to their coordinators.
Both Aaron Glenn and Ben Johnson are out as new first-time head coaches in the NFL, leaving the Lions with a ton of year-to-year turnover on the sidelines. As a result, that change could have forced Campbell to change his strategy about the preseason.
But it isn’t so just yet. The word around Detroit is that the game against the Dolphins is going to see no starters play for either side, barring any potential rookie starters getting some PT.
The decision comes on the back of that end against the Atlanta Falcons. After such a heartbreaking scene unfolded on the gridiron, it is understandable if their head coach wants to ensure the safety of his players first.
In what is shaping up to be a pivotal year marked with coordinator changes, Detroit has to rely more than ever on the talent within the roster. As a result, protecting them from injury and trying to avoid any complications before the 2025 season might be a smart idea.
It might lead to a marginally slower start. However, in years past, Campbell has already shown himself capable of keeping his men ready for opening night.
