The Detroit Lions open their 2026 preseason on Thursday, August 13, at Paycor Stadium, facing a Cincinnati Bengals squad planning to play its starters. While Detroit coach Dan Campbell will largely rest his first-stringers, the matchup delivers critical early looks at rookie additions and high-stakes positional battles.
Broadcast Details, Channels, and Kickoff Time for Lions and Bengals
The matchup kicks off at 7 p.m. ET on Thursday, August 13, 2026, at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati, as outlined in the game information. Local fans in metro Detroit can watch the live broadcast on Fox 2 Detroit and the Lions TV Network affiliates across Michigan and Ohio. In Cincinnati, the game broadcasts live on Fox 19.
For viewers outside the local markets, NFL+ provides national streaming access. Regional fans can also stream the coverage through Fubo or the official team apps using valid television provider credentials. International supporters have options including TSN2 in Canada, DAZN and NFL Game Pass in Germany, and SporTV2 along with NFL Game Pass International in Brazil. A national television replay is scheduled for Saturday, August 15, at 6 a.m. ET on Prideofdetroit.
Coaching Philosophies: Starters Play in Cincinnati, Rest in Detroit
The two coaching staffs bring contrasting approaches to the preseason opener. Cincinnati head coach Zac Taylor confirmed that quarterback Joe Burrow, wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase, and other offensive stars will take the field for a series or two to establish an early offensive rhythm. The Bengals will also showcase several significant defensive additions acquired during the offseason, including defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II, Jonathan Allen, and Boye Mafe.
Teammates have taken notice of the revamped defensive line during camp. Honestly, he’s been terrorizing practice,
wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase told Yahoo Sports regarding Lawrence, according to the source.
Conversely, Detroit coach Dan Campbell is largely expected to rest his first-stringers, though rookie first-round right tackle Blake Miller is slated to see action. Campbell emphasized the value of the evaluation period for reserves and newcomers.
“It’ll be great look for our guys. How do they compete, do they use what they’ve been taught? Just you want to see the development, you’re excited for some of these young guys. And then some of these rookies, young players, to have a chance to see where they’ve grown. Do they take what you’re teaching them to the field? And then some of these veteran guys that are playing for a spot, to watch them go out and compete.”
Roster Questions and Position Battles for the Detroit Lions
Detroit enters the exhibition schedule dealing with notable health concerns and roster turnover.
“Not good enough, we didn’t get in. I mean, we underachieved, so not good. I would give myself a freaking F.”
The offensive line faces immediate adjustments after marquee offseason signing Cade Mays suffered a wrist injury that will sideline him for a portion of the season. With Penei Sewell shifting to left tackle and rookie Blake Miller projected on the right side, the center position is under evaluation. The offensive front also follows the team locking in running back Jahmyr Gibbs on a three-year, $67.5 million agreement.
Defensively, the Lions are managing absences in the secondary. At quarterback, Joshua Dobbs joins the depth chart following Teddy Bridgewater’s retirement, competing alongside undrafted rookie Luke Altmyer as the team prepares for kickoff at Paycor Stadium.
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