Follow live Lions vs Falcons preseason game score updates and highlights from Week 1 of NFL preseason schedule 2025.

The Detroit Lions play their second of four preseason games in Week 1 of the 2025 NFL preseason schedule Friday night against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

Start time is scheduled for 7 p.m. and the game will be televised locally in metro Detroit on Fox 2 and streamed on Fubo, which offers a free trial for potential subscribers.

With Jared Goff and the starters once again sitting out, the attention remains on the backup quarterback position. Hendon Hooker, a third-round draft pick by the Lions in 2023, will get the start, with veteran Kyle Allen next up.

Allen started the Hall of Fame Game against the Los Angeles Chargers last week, a 34-7 Lions loss, but neither he nor Hooker played well.

Watch Lions this season on Fubo (free trial)

Our esteemed Lions insider Dave Birkett picked out six other Lions to watch against the Falcons, including second-year offensive tackle Gio Manu and undrafted rookie safety Ian Kennelly (Grand Valley State).

MUST READ: There’s a lot riding on Hendon Hooker winning Lions backup job

Follow Lions preseason game updates, score and highlights against the Falcons.

Kyle Allen came in and quickly created magic with his crew, driving the Lions to a touchdown in five plays over 80 yards.

Isaac TeSlaa made the touchdown grab, coming down with an acrobatic 11-yard catch in the back of the end zone. It was the first pro touchdown for TeSlaa, who is a Michigan native.

Allen’s third play set up the score: a 68-yard pass to Jackson Meeks that was easily the Lions’ most eletrifying play of the preseason.

Lions 7, Falcons 3

Kyle Allen took over as quarterback on 1st-and-10 at his own 20. He will likley play the rest of the game, barring injury.

Hendon Hooker finished 7-of-10 for 38 yards and three carries for 27 yards rushing.

The Falcons got out from under their goalposts with a 25-yard pass from Eason Stick to Dylan Drummond on a crossing pattern.

The play was kept alive on a third down when Lions defensive tackle Brodric Martin was called for roughing the passer.

The drive fizzled after eight snaps, but it flipped the field after the Lions took the touchback on the punt.

Hendon Hooker opened the second quarter by going 4-for-4 with 33 yards, plus a 3-yard scramble.

However, the drive ended when Hooker again was stripped of the ball on a blitz. This time Arnold Ebikitie caused the fumble and Ta’Quon Graham picked up the fumble at the Atlanta 17.

End of the 1st quarter with the Lions trailing.

Biggest play: Atlanta’s sack/fumble recovery on Hendon Hooker.

Longest play: Hookers’ 23-yard scramble for a first down.

Biggest trend: Lions with three penalties for 25 yards.

Hendon Hooker had his biggest play of the preseason, breaking loose for a 23-yard scramble down the right sideline. That gave the Lions a 1st-and-10 at their 39.

Lenny Krieg, fighting to knock out encumbent kicker Younghoe Koo, completed the Falcons’ drive with a 57-yard field goal that went straight through the goal posts.

Lions starter Hendon Hooker’s night didn’t start well. After completing 1 of 2 passes for 2 yards, he tried to scramble out of a crumbling pocket. He was hit by James Woods, who knocked the ball loose. Dee Alford of the Falcons picked up the loose ball and gave Atlanta a 1st-and-10 at the Lions 41.

Falcons got the ball to open the game and they moved the ball quickly to the Lions 38 behind starter Eason Stick’s 2-for-2 passing for 23 yards.

However, the opening drive stalled on fourth down as Stick’s pass to David Sills’ post pattern flew over his head.

Detroit Lions offensive tackle Justin Herron left the field with an injury before the game against the Atlanta Falcons began.

Herron reportedly suffered an arm injury. He was listed on the Lions depth chart as a fourth-string left tackle.

Check out rookie receiver Isaac TeSlaa (Hudsonville), noted Lions fan, going deep in warmups on the field. Expect him to get plenty of reps tonight. Can the quarterback find him?

We know Detroit travels well.

Is Jared Goff playing in preseason today?

No, coach Dan Campbell has always rested starters in preseason games, including Goff, who enters his fifth season starting at quarterback for the Lions and his 10th NFL season.

Are Lions starters playing in preseason?

No, the Lions are again resting their starters in exhibition games, however Campbell said this week there’s a chance he plays their two rookie starters, defensive tackle Tyleik Williams (No. 28 overall pick) and left guard Tate Ratledge (No. 57 overall).

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Do the Lions play today?

Yes, the Lions play today, Friday, Aug. 8.

Date: Friday, Aug. 8.

Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta.

Time: 7 p.m. ET.

The Lions play their second preseason game Friday against the Falcons in Atlanta. The game kicks off at 7 p.m. ET. and will be televised in Detroit on Fox.

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How to watch Lions vs Falcons preseason game

The rest of the Lions preseason will be aired locally on Fox, with the radio broadcast on 97.1 The Ticket.

Kickoff: 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 8; Mercedez-Benz Stadium, Atlanta.

TV: Fox 2 in Detroit, Lions TV Network.

Streaming: On Fubo (free trial).

Radio: WXYT-FM (97.1, Lions radio network.)

This game — and all Lions regular-season games — can be streamed on Fubo, which carries Fox 2 on its list of networks.

Lions preseason schedule

Aug. 8: at Falcons, 7 p.m. ET, Fox (in Detroit).

Aug. 16: vs. Dolphins, 1 p.m. ET, Fox (in Detroit).

Aug. 23: vs. Texans, 1 p.m. ET, Fox (in Detroit).

Stay tuned for the best Lions coverage all year long at freep.com/sports/lions.