Detroit Lions, LA Chargers Begin NFL Preseason in Canton

The Detroit Lions and Los Angeles Chargers are set to kick off the NFL preseason with the Hall of Fame Game in Canton, Ohio, spotlighting several notable players and rookies. Utah alumni Tim Patrick and Sione Vaki will feature for the Lions, while rookies like Omarion Hampton, Keandre Lambert-Smith, and Tre Harris are expected to make their NFL debuts for the Chargers. Both teams are resting their starting quarterbacks, with Jared Goff and Justin Herbert sitting out, while backups Hendon Hooker and Trey Lance will lead their offenses. Injuries have impacted several key players; the Lions are missing defensive tackles Alim McNeill and Mekhi Wingo and edge rusher Levi Onwuzurike, whereas Chargers’ running back Najee Harris remains sidelined with an eye injury. The game will primarily showcase backups, rookies, and special teams players vying for roster spots ahead of the regular season, with coaches using the opportunity to evaluate depth and position battles, particularly on defense and at center for the Chargers. The Lions will continue their preseason with three more games before opening the regular season against the Green Bay Packers on September 7.