The Detroit Lions are winding down their 2025 NFL preseason schedule, like other teams, and want to finish on a high note. Head coach Dan Campbell has had a chance to see his team take the field in a joint practice with the Houston Texans.
That works out well for both teams, as Campbell and Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans look to pare down their rosters before NFL cutdown day on Aug. 26. Still, both teams will head to Ford Field for their final preseason game on Saturday, Aug. 23.
Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. Eastern. Campbell knows the final preseason game matters to some of his players, even his starters. Will the Lions play their starters against Houston?
Will Jared Goff and other Lions Starters Play Against Houston Today?
Campbell has made it clear that starting quarterback Jared Goff, who is drawing attention from fantasy players, along with Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jahmyr Gibbs, Aidan Hutchinson, and Brian Branch, will likely not see action Saturday.
That has been the case for many other Lions starters over the past two preseason games. Campbell wants to make sure Detroit is healthy and ready when its NFL season opener arrives Sept. 7 against the Green Bay Packers.
The Lions finished training camp with a joint practice with the Texans, where starters got dozens of snaps in key situations against a contending team.
Dan Campbell called the day a big opportunity for players to prove they belong on the 53-man roster. pic.twitter.com/5WfR1fMBDR
— Brad Galli (@BradGalli) August 21, 2025
“I can’t wait,” Campbell said ahead of Thursday’s practice, according to Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press. “That keeps me from (looking) too far ahead. So we’ve got this little batch left. I can’t wait to get Houston here cause it’ll be great for us, we need the work and it’ll make us better, I just know it will.”
Campbell is using Thursday’s joint practice as a final tune-up for the Lions’ starters. For fans headed to Saturday’s game, don’t expect to see many of Detroit’s top players on the field at Ford Field.
Which Young Lions Will Get Their Chance Tonight?
Rookie wide receiver Dominic Lovett, who played at Missouri and Georgia, has impressed the Lions’ coaching staff. On Thursday, in the joint practice with the Texans, Lovett snagged a pass from quarterback Hendon Hooker and scored on a 67-yard touchdown pass play.
Undrafted rookie free agent Jackson Meeks is also making it tough on Campbell and the staff to cut him. In two preseason games, Meeks has 11 catches for 176 yards and two touchdowns.
“I’m out here showing that I can play football,” Meeks said, according to Joel Sebastianelli of Local 4 in Detroit. “Whether it’s undrafted, first round, second round, it doesn’t matter. When we put the pads on, put the helmet on, it’s about who’s better than who.”
Dan Campbell says Jackson Meeks gave Lions staff lots to talk about. The undrafted WR hopes he sent a message to everyone with 7 rec, 93 yds and 1 TD
“I’m up here with the best players in the world and I’m one of the best players in the world. I can actually do this.” #OnePride pic.twitter.com/jgPo0MK74l
— Joel Sebastianelli (@JJSebastianelli) August 17, 2025
Another receiver who should see action is Isaac TeSlaa, a third-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft out of Arkansas. TeSlaa has been making a name for himself with highlight-reel catches, and even a scuffle.
The Lions hope these rookies, and other roster hopefuls, can impress Campbell against the Texans on Saturday.
