2026 Detroit Lions preseason schedule: 3 opponents announced

TL;DR

The Detroit Lions announced their 2026 preseason schedule featuring three opponents: the Cincinnati Bengals, Washington Commanders, and Indianapolis Colts. Specific dates and times will be revealed later.

Key points

Detroit Lions announced 2026 preseason schedule
Preseason opponents include Bengals, Commanders, and Colts
Specific game dates and times to be announced later
Coach Dan Campbell may play starters more in preseason
All games expected to be televised on Lions TV Network

Detroit LionsCincinnati BengalsWashington CommandersIndianapolis Colts

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - AUGUST 23: Hendon Hooker #2 of the Detroit Lions plays against the Houston Texans during a pre season game at Ford Field on August 23, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) | Getty Images In addition to announcing their regular season schedule, the Detroit Lions also announced on Thursday their three-game preseason schedule, although without the dates. This year’s schedule, as usual, features a couple of nearby opponents to minimize travel. It’s also worth noting that Lions coach Dan Campbell already expressed that he doesn’t want to do any joint practices this year. So Detroit’s interaction with these three teams will just be on gameday. That said, it could mean these preseason games carry a little more weight. Campbell suggested that because of the lack of joint practices, he may be more willing to play starters in the preseason more than he has in the past. “Maybe we play some of these guys in the preseason more than we have, that’s where they get some of it,” Campbell said during the annual league meetings. Detroit’s preseason kicks off with a trip down to Ohio for a battle against the Cincinnati Bengals. Then they return home for their sole preseason matchup—a game against the Washington Commanders. The close out the preseason by heading down to Indiana for their preseason finale against the Indianapolis Colts. Or, in shorter terms: **Preseason Week 1:** at Bengals **Preseason Week 2:** vs. Commanders **Preseason Week 3:** at Colts All preseason games are expected to be televised on the Detroit Lions TV Network. . Specific dates and times of these games will be announced at a later date. Last year, those details were announced a just a week after the initial schedule release.

Q&A

What teams will the Detroit Lions face in the 2026 preseason?

The Detroit Lions will face the Cincinnati Bengals, Washington Commanders, and Indianapolis Colts in the 2026 preseason.

When will the dates and times for the Lions' preseason games be announced?

The specific dates and times for the Lions' preseason games are expected to be announced shortly after the initial schedule release, similar to last year.

Will the Lions play their starters more during the 2026 preseason?

Yes, Lions coach Dan Campbell indicated that he may be more willing to play starters in the preseason due to the absence of joint practices.