Detroit Lions fans are sending a clear message ahead of next Thursday night’s preseason opener in Cincinnati: let the starters play, but keep it short.
The Lions head to Cincinnati to face the Bengals in both teams’ first preseason game of 2026, and the question of how much Detroit’s top players should be on the field is still open. Dan Campbell said earlier this week that he would like to play his starters in the preseason, though he has not yet made a final decision.
Fans, though, have already made up their minds in the latest SB Nation Reacts survey. A massive 95% said they want to see the starters play a quarter or less, with most of that group hoping for only a series or two. Just 1% said they would rather not see the starters at all.
The responses reflected that cautious-but-curious mindset. Professor Holmes kept it simple: “A series or two is what I would prefer. Coach C should know best, though.”
Itsbeen55years wanted a little more from the offensive line: “1 or 2 series at most…. but I think the O-line should be out for a quarter or so. I know it’s risky, but I would love to see the O-line in sync with each other for the start of the season.”
Defend The Den pointed to the balance between getting starters warmed up and protecting them: “A series or 2 should be enough for the starters to get their feet wet, while also limiting their risk for injury. The majority of the game should be for evaluating the roster bubble players and getting the new faces some live game team chemistry.”
Not everyone wanted to be quite as conservative. Schmipper said, “Starters need to play.
New coaches, new schemes, new personnel. I say one quarter for the first game and go from there.”
Marvol took the most aggressive stance among the comments shared: “Full quarter in the first 2 games. If they score twice before the quarter ends, take them out. Defense plays a whole quarter unless they get 2 three-and-outs back to back.”
For now, Campbell is still weighing how to handle his starters against Cincinnati. The fans, at least, have already drawn their line.
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