Lions vs Dolphins joint practices: 3 things I’m watching for
Dave Birkett on what he’s watching for as Detroit Lions and Miami Dolphins battle in two joint practices Aug. 13-14 in Allen Park ahead of their exhibition game.
The Detroit Lions will face off against the Miami Dolphins in their third preseason game on Saturday, Aug. 16. But first, they get to see their next opponent in a joint practice.
The Lions and the Dolphins are holding the first of their two joint practices at the Detroit Lions Meijer Performance Center in Allen Park on Wednesday, Aug. 13. The second practice will take place on Thursday, Aug. 14, two days before their preseason matchup at Ford Field.
Detroit has two burning questions as these joint practices start up: how will their sluggish offense look against another team’s defensive unit? And how will they bounce back from all the injuries they’ve suffered so far?
As for the first question, the Dolphins may provide a tough test. Miami ranked fourth in total defense during the 2024 regular season, allowing 314.3 yards per game (the Lions defense, meanwhile, ranked 20th with 342.4 yards allowed per game). And for the second question, that might revolve around how the offensive line performs.
We’ll provide live updates from the team’s first joint practice session here.
Detroit Lions joint practice live updates
This section will be updated throughout the day.
Lions edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson took snaps on defense against the Dolphins offense in full contact running drills.
He appeared to be at full speed, applying pressure and engaging with blockers from the left side.
The Lions pass defense looked impressive during 7-on-7 drills against the Dolphins offense.
Dolphins stater Tua Tagovailoa went 4-for-8 in drills, with two of his passes knocked down. But the best performances came against Dolphins backup Zach Wilson, who had two of his three passes intercepted, the first by undrafted rookie Ian Kennelly and the second by cornerback Nick Whiteside.
Cornerback Dicaprio Bootle limped off the field after one play, keeping pressure off his left leg.
Former NFL star Ryan Clark is in the house with his podcast partners Channing Crowder and Fred Taylor of The Pivot Podcast.
Clark greeted Lions quarterback Jared Goff as the offensive unit was warming up.
Dan Campbell pre-practice press conference
Lions coach Dan Campbell addressed the media ahead of his team’s joint practice session, saying that his team is excited to face new players.
Campbell said that running back Sione Vaki, who suffered a hamstring injury during practice on July 21, will be available for practice today. Edge rusher Ahmed Hassanein is expected to practice, while cornerback Terrion Arnold is expected to be out.
“He’s getting better,” Campbell said of Arnold, who has been dealing with a hamstring injury. “He’s doing more every day, but I don’t see him being able to go through his practice.”
He also addressed the play of offensive lineman Giovanni Manu, saying: “You go against some really good players, and particularly if you have to go against them day after day after day, you either crumble or you get better … and so I feel like as long as he stays open and he doesn’t lose confidence and he keeps trying to hone his craft against those players, he will elevate.”
Hundreds of Lions fans have gathered in three separate tents to watch the team begin its first joint practice of training camp.
There are food trucks, balloon animals and free frozen treats for attendees. It’s expected to be hot, but clouds are keeping the field relatively cool for now.
When is the next Lions preseason game?
The Lions will be facing the Dolphins in their third preseason game on Saturday, Aug. 16, at Ford Field. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET.
Date: Saturday, Aug. 16.
Time: 1 p.m. ET.
Location: Ford Field, Detroit.
How to watch Lions vs. Dolphins preseason game
After two joint practices this week, the Lions will take on the Dolphins in a preseason game at Ford Field on Saturday, Aug. 16.
Kickoff: 1 p.m. ET.
TV: Fox 2.
Streaming: Fubo.
Radio: WXYT-FM 97.1.
The Lions preseason games will be broadcasted on Fox 2, with streaming available on Fubo.
Watch Detroit Lions preseason on Fubo
Detroit Lions preseason scheduleHall of Fame Game:Â L, 34-7 vs Los Angeles Chargers.Week 1:Â Suspended, at Atlanta Falcons.Week 2:Â vs Miami Dolphins, Saturday, Aug. 16 (1 p.m. ET).Week 3:Â vs Houston Texans, Saturday, Aug. 23 (1 p.m. ET).
You can reach Christian at cromo@freepress.com