The Washington Commanders and Detroit Lions faced off in an important NFL preseason matchup on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at Ford Field in Detroit. With both teams evaluating depth and roster battles ahead of the regular season, the game provided an opportunity for several players to make their case.
The game kicked off at noon ET, with Detroit hosting Washington in its only preseason home game of 2026.
Commanders vs Lions Score and Game Updates
The matchup featured plenty of action early, with both teams finding ways to create momentum.
Washington opened the scoring after Lions quarterback Josh Dobbs was stripped by former Detroit defensive back Amik Robertson. Commanders linebacker Joshua Josephs recovered the fumble in the end zone for a touchdown, putting Washington ahead 7-0.
Detroit responded with a big play from Dobbs. The Lions quarterback broke loose for a 50-yard rushing touchdown, bringing the game level at 7-7.
At the end of the first quarter, Commanders vs Lions was tied 7-7.
Detroit’s defense then continued to make an impact, limiting Washington’s offense and forcing multiple punts. Edge rusher D.J. Wonnum was particularly effective, recording a sack and making a key tackle that helped force a Washington punt.
Josh Dobbs Starts for Detroit
With Jared Goff sitting out his second consecutive preseason game, Josh Dobbs received the start at quarterback for the Lions.
Dobbs was expected to split playing time with undrafted rookie Luke Altmyer as Detroit evaluates its backup quarterback competition.
Dobbs’ performance included both positive and negative moments. His 50-yard rushing touchdown provided one of the biggest plays of the game, but he also lost a fumble that Washington returned for the opening touchdown.
The quarterback competition remains one of the key storylines for Detroit as the Lions approach the regular season.
Luke Altmyer Gets Valuable Reps
Rookie quarterback Luke Altmyer entered the game after Dobbs’ opening stint and gained valuable preseason experience.
Altmyer connected with tight end Jackson Meeks for an 11-yard reception, but Detroit’s offense soon faced pressure from Washington’s defense. Altmyer was sacked three times during the game, including a play that pushed the Lions back toward their own goal line.
For a young quarterback competing for a roster spot, the preseason provides an important opportunity to show consistency under pressure.
Lions Rest Several Key Starters
Detroit entered the game without several of its biggest offensive stars.
Quarterback Jared Goff, running back Jahmyr Gibbs, wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown and wide receiver Jameson Williams were among the notable players not taking part.
Offensive tackle Penei Sewell also did not play.
Lions coach Dan Campbell had indicated that many available starters would see limited action, with the starting offensive line expected to play roughly one quarter. That approach reflects the Lions’ priority of evaluating depth while protecting important players before the regular season.
Offensive Line Remains a Key Storyline
One of Detroit’s biggest roster questions entering the game was at center.
Cade Mays is expected to miss at least the opening portion of the regular season because of a wrist injury, creating an opening at the position. Offseason addition Juice Scruggs was expected to make his preseason debut at center against Washington.
Scruggs was working under a snap restriction during practice, so his workload was expected to be limited.
The Lions will continue using the preseason to determine how their offensive line should look when the regular season begins.
Lions Defense Shows Its Strength
Detroit’s defense produced several encouraging moments against Washington.
The Lions pressured Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels early, with D.J. Wonnum recording a sack and helping force a punt. Detroit’s defense also continued to limit Washington’s offensive production as the game progressed.
After Washington’s early touchdown, the Lions defense forced punts on each of Washington’s next three offensive possessions.
That defensive pressure could be an important positive for Detroit as the team prepares for the regular season.
Jayden Daniels and Washington’s Offense
Washington’s offense also used the preseason matchup to evaluate players and build depth.
Jayden Daniels was involved early, while backup quarterback Sam Hartman also received an opportunity. Hartman scrambled for a first down late in the opening quarter, helping Washington extend a drive.
The Commanders were also evaluating players competing for roster positions, making the game important beyond the scoreboard.
Ennis Rakestraw Returns
One positive development for Detroit came before kickoff when cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr. dressed and warmed up.
Rakestraw had suffered an ankle injury earlier in the week, making his return to the field encouraging news for a Lions secondary dealing with injuries.
His availability could be important as Detroit works toward establishing its defensive depth chart for the regular season.
Commanders vs Lions: How to Watch
The Commanders vs Lions preseason game was scheduled for Saturday, August 22, at Ford Field.
- Matchup: Washington Commanders vs Detroit Lions
- Date: Saturday, August 22, 2026
- Kickoff: Noon ET
- Location: Ford Field, Detroit
- Detroit TV: Lions TV Network and Fox 2 in Detroit
- Washington TV: WUSA9
- Detroit radio: WXYT-FM 97.1
- Washington radio: BIG 100 (WBIG-FM)
Detroit-area viewers could also stream the game through Fubo, while Washington fans could use the Commanders’ digital platforms where available.
Lions Preseason Schedule
The Commanders game was Detroit’s second preseason matchup of 2026.
The Lions opened their preseason on August 13 against the Cincinnati Bengals, losing 16-14. After facing Washington, Detroit is scheduled to visit the Indianapolis Colts on August 29 for its final preseason game.
The remaining preseason contests give Detroit additional opportunities to settle backup positions and final roster decisions.
What Commanders vs Lions Means
Preseason results rarely tell the full story of what a team will look like during the regular season. Instead, these games are primarily about player evaluation, roster competition and building depth.
For Detroit, the backup quarterback battle, center position and secondary depth were among the biggest areas to watch.
For Washington, the game provided another chance for young players and reserves to compete for roster spots while gaining valuable experience against an NFL opponent.
The Commanders vs Lions matchup therefore offered more than a preseason score. It was an important evaluation point for both teams as they moved closer to the 2026 NFL regular season.
Final Takeaway
The Commanders vs Lions preseason game delivered an entertaining look at both teams’ depth, with Detroit’s Josh Dobbs producing a 50-yard rushing touchdown and Washington capitalizing on an early Lions turnover.
Detroit’s defense responded with strong pressure and several forced punts, while young quarterback Luke Altmyer gained important playing time.
With several starters resting, the main focus remained on roster battles and player development rather than the final result. The performances in Detroit could ultimately help shape both teams’ decisions before the regular season begins.
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