The Lions and Colts are closing out their preseason schedules against each other on Saturday, and the matchup comes with plenty of intrigue on the quarterback side.
Detroit has kept both of its preseason games tight and low-scoring, falling to the Bengals 16-14 before edging the Commanders 17-13. Indianapolis, meanwhile, opened with a 13-13 tie against the Patriots and then got blown out by the Falcons 34-6.
For the Colts, Daniel Jones will be out again, which leaves Anthony Richardson in line to start. He’s getting one more shot to make an impression and lock down his role as the team’s backup.
Richardson was sharp in the opener against the Patriots, going 11-of-14 for 145 yards with an interception while also adding 53 rushing yards and a touchdown. But his second outing was a rough one: just 3-of-9 passing for 24 yards, plus 15 rushing yards on three carries against Atlanta.
That’s the kind of up-and-down preseason production that makes this a tough team to trust laying points. Richardson has already shown both ends of the spectrum, and now he runs into a Lions defense that has looked strong through the first two weeks of preseason play.
Detroit’s defensive backups have stood out, and that’s a promising sign for Kelvin Sheppard and the Lions’ defensive group heading into the regular season. With the line sitting at Colts -3.5, the points are the side worth grabbing here, with Detroit’s defense capable of keeping things within reach.
In Other News...
Lions 53-Man Roster Leaves One Big Question Fans Wont Ignore
The Lions initial 53-man roster for 2026 came with a few choices that stood out immediately, starting with a group that looks heavier at running back than most teams would carry and thinner at receiver than fans might have expected. There was also a notable call at tight end, where Jackson Meeks made the cut over Tyler Conklin, while the defensive line leaned toward pass-rushing upside more than brute size. For a roster that usually invites close reading, this one offered plenty to sort through right away.
The biggest thing left hanging is the kind of special-teams detail that can shape a roster spot just as much as any depth-chart battle. With no clear punt returner identified and some players who seemed to have a path to the team ending up on the outside, the Lions may not be done adjusting this group yet. That leaves the final version of the roster still open to a few more changes in the coming days, which is exactly the sort of unfinished business that keeps this time of year interesting. [Read more 🡒]
Lions Still Have One Roster Squeeze To Navigate After Cutdown Day
The Lions got through cutdown day by trimming to their official 53-man roster, but the work is not done yet. With several players out on the NFL waiver wire and the waiver claim deadline looming, Detroit is still sorting through the final layer of roster business that every team has to navigate after the initial cuts are in.
Sitting 17th in the waiver order, the Lions have a chance to make more claims while also trying to keep some familiar faces close if they make it through unclaimed. Cornerback Nick Whiteside is one name the team would like to bring back on the practice squad, and he is not alone. Mason Miller, Luke Altmyer, Tyre West, Lucky Jackson, Dominic Lovett, and Dan Jackson are among the other players Detroit could look to circle back to once the waiver process plays out. [Read more 🡒]
Lions Sent A Clear Message With Their First Practice Squad Choices
The first practice squad move after cutdowns gave a decent read on how the Lions are sorting through the back end of the roster. Detroit kept a number of the waived players who cleared, building out the initial 2026 group with familiar depth and developmental pieces, while also choosing to move on from running back Trayveon Williams rather than circle back with a return to the practice squad.
Luke Altmyer was among the players retained, a sign the Lions want to keep working with the rookie quarterback as he settles in behind the scenes. Altmyer also offered some perspective on the preseason interception he threw, a small reminder that Detroit is still using these early roster decisions to balance short-term depth with longer-term evaluation. [Read more 🡒]