The Detroit Lions open their 2026 preseason schedule on the road against the Cincinnati Bengals on Thursday, August 13, 2026, at 7 p.m. ET. While Lions head coach Dan Campbell plans to rest most of his starters, the Bengals intend to play Joe Burrow and their first-stringers for a series or two.
Where to Watch and Stream the Preseason Opener
Fans hoping to tune into the matchup at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati have several viewing options depending on their location. Local viewers in the Detroit area can watch the game on Fox 2 Detroit, which serves as the flagship station for the Detroit Lions TV Network. In Cincinnati, the game will broadcast live on Fox 19 (WXIX-TV). Regional coverage extends to several other stations across Ohio, Kentucky, and Michigan.
Out-of-market fans can stream the action nationwide using an NFL+ subscription. Cord-cutters with live TV packages can access the broadcast through Fubo, while local fans can also stream the game for free on DetroitLions.com or the official Lions app. For radio listeners, Dan Miller and Lomas Brown will call the action on 97.1 The Ticket.
Contrasting Game Plans: Starters Sit for Detroit, Play for Cincinnati
The two coaching staffs approach the opening exhibition with distinct strategies. Bengals head coach Zac Taylor confirmed that quarterback Joe Burrow, receiver Ja’Marr Chase, and receiver Tee Higgins will take the field for a series or two to establish an offensive rhythm. Conversely, Dan Campbell will hold out his established starters, creating an extended audition for Detroit’s reserves, rookies, and roster hopefuls.
Dan Campbell, Detroit Lions Head Coach
Campbell added that the preseason opener provides a vital measure of player development. It’ll be great look for our guys,
Lions coach Dan Campbell said. “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.”
Rookies and Reserves Under the Microscope
With Detroit resting its veterans, several intriguing roster battles take center stage. First-round pick Blake Miller is expected to be the only starting offensive lineman to play, giving the rookie tackle crucial reps against Cincinnati’s edge rushers. At center, Seth McLaughlin takes the first-team snaps following a wrist injury to Cade Mays and a soft-tissue injury sidelining Juice Scruggs. McLaughlin spent last preseason with the Bengals, though he noted no special sentiment surrounding his return to Paycor Stadium.
Under center, undrafted rookie Luke Altmyer will shoulder a heavy workload in his debut. Altmyer moves into second-team duties following Teddy Bridgewater’s retirement and veteran Joshua Dobbs arriving just days prior. Reed.
Cincinnati’s Offseason Additions Make Their Debut
For the Bengals, Thursday night marks the public introduction of a heavily retooled defensive line. Major offseason acquisitions including defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence, Jonathan Allen, and Boye Mafe are slated to make their team debuts. These additions aim to shore up a unit that hopes to rebound following a disjointed previous campaign shaped heavily by Burrow’s midseason absence.
National Replay and Broadcast Details
For fans unable to watch the game live, the NFL Network will broadcast a national replay on Saturday, August 15, at 6 a.m. ET. The local Detroit television broadcast features play-by-play announcer Jack Kizer alongside color analyst T.J. Lang and sideline reporter Patti Cesarini.
Worth a look
