The Detroit Lions are ready to close their preseason calendar as they play the Houston Texans. It’s getting really close to the start of the NFL season and now the teams are considering whether they put their starting quarterbacks, Jared Goff and CJ Stroud, on the field.
According to Andrew Birkle of the Detroit Free Press, the Lions are not planning on putting Jared Goff, or any starters for that matter, in the game. Detroit will send the backups as they are playing to stay on the 53-man roster.
The Lions played on the Hall of Fame game to start the preseason, meaning they will have a fourth preseason game this year. Their preseason record is 1-2 right now. Detroit is trying to implement new systems under new coordinators, however, the team rather rest his starters than risk him.
Is CJ Stroud playing?
According to Cole Thompson of Texans Wire, while there is nothing confirmed yet, it’s likely that the starters won’t be taking part of this game. DeMeco Ryans has never put the starters in the third preseason game. The exception is the rookies, but even if they play, it won’t be more than a handful of snaps.
The Texans are 1-1 this preseason as they lost to the Vikings and then mauled the Panthers. Stroud only played for a while during the second game and he completed 6/8 passes for 44 yards and one touchdown.
Who are the Lions and Texans facing in Week 1?
Both teams have tough starts to their seasons. The Lions will visit NFC North rivals, the Green Bay Packers, to play at Lambeau Field. This is a key game as both teams are destined to fight for the divisional title.
As for the Texans, it’s also a tough game in Week 1 of the NFL season. They will visit the Los Angeles Rams, who might have Matthew Stafford under center. If Stafford plays, this game could become a barnburner really fast.