Lions set 2026 preseason slate with no joint practices

The Detroit Lions have confirmed their opponents for the 2026 preseason, announcing a three-game slate that includes visits to the Cincinnati Bengals and Indianapolis Colts, alongside a home fixture against the Washington Commanders. The announcement was made during the annual league meetings, coinciding with the release of the team’s regular season schedule.

According to the schedule structure, the preseason will commence in Week 1 with an away match against the Bengals in Ohio. The team will then return home for Week 2 to face the Commanders, before concluding the preseason in Week 3 with a trip to Indiana to play the Colts. This arrangement follows a historical pattern of prioritising nearby opponents to minimise travel requirements for the squad.

Lions head coach Dan Campbell indicated that the team will not conduct joint practices with any of the three opponents this year. This decision shifts the focus entirely to gameday interactions, a move that Campbell suggested may increase the competitive weight of the preseason fixtures.

Campbell noted that the absence of joint practices could lead to a different approach regarding player utilisation. He stated that he may be more willing to play starters for extended periods compared to previous years, allowing them to accumulate more game time during the preseason window.

All three preseason matches are expected to be broadcast on the Detroit Lions TV Network. While the opponents have been identified, specific dates and kick-off times have not yet been released. Based on the previous year’s timeline, these details are anticipated to be announced approximately one week after the initial schedule release.