Lions rest starters for Dolphins preseason

A preview of the Lions depth chart ahead of the preseason game against the Miami Dolphins, highlighting starter rest and player competition.

Lions rest starters as depth chart shifts ahead of Dolphins preseason game

Ahead of Saturdays preseason game against the Miami Dolphins, the Lions plan to rest their top unit again. The coaches say this is part of a broader roster evaluation following two joint practices this week. The official depth chart shows Kyle Allen leading the offense at quarterback, with Jared Goff and Hendon Hooker placed behind him for the game. In the backfield, Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery are the top two options, backed by Craig Reynolds, Sione Vaki and Jacob Saylors as the depth group. Injuries to a few backs and a hamstring scare have limited options, so the Lions may pull a few players early to protect health while testing younger runners.

On the line and in the trenches the choice is driven by rest and development. Taylor Decker and Penei Sewell anchor the tackles in name, but the left guard spot is unsettled with Netane Muti and Tate Ratledge among the candidates. The defense features a familiar base with Aidan Hutchinson and Marcus Davenport at ends, and a rotating group at tackle and linebacker designed to reveal who earns a spot on the 53. In the secondary, Zion Ya-Sin has moved into a safety rotation while Avonte Maddox remains a slot option. The aim is not just to win one more game but to learn who can contribute when the regular season comes. The result could influence who suits up in week one and who stays in reserve.

Campbell and staff are prioritizing rest for stars while still chasing clarity on the team game plan. The rotation exposes the Lions to the risk of miscommunications in a reshuffled offense, but it also creates a real test for players who rarely get top line reps. Kyle Allen is in the spotlight by design and his command of checks and motions will shape how the offense is built in the next game. Hendon Hooker needs reps, but the rotation favors Allen for now which signals a pragmatic approach to development and roster balance.

Looking ahead the Lions depth will be judged not by big plays but by steadiness minus the familiar faces. If Vaki shines and Reynolds rests the team gains a data point on how ready the young backs are to handle pace of the league. The same applies to the secondary where Ya Sin moving into safety could be a signal of flexibility or a hint of experimentation. The challenge will be to maintain pace without burning out players who may be needed later in the season. This preseason game could reveal the make or break line for several players fighting for final spots.

Highlights

The coming games will show which players can carry the load when the heat is on.