The Ford Field is gearing up for another preseason clash between the Detroit Lions and the Miami Dolphins, two teams looking to fine-tune their performance ahead of the 2025 NFL season. The big question for this matchup is whether Jared Goff and Tua Tagovailoa will take the field, as both are the stars of their respective teams.
Tagovailoa saw some action in the Dolphins’ recent game against the Chicago Bears, while Goff has yet to appear in either of the Lions’ two preseason contests, against the Los Angeles Chargers and the Atlanta Falcons. Kyle Allen and Hendon Hooker have been splitting quarterback duties in his absence.
This preseason matchup between the Dolphins and Lions represents a valuable opportunity to focus on players fighting to solidify their spot and stand out among the internal competition, as well as to build competitive momentum ahead of the official schedule.
Will Goff and Tagovailoa play in the Lions vs Dolphins preseason game?
No, neither Goff nor Tagovailoa will play in the preseason matchup between Detroit and Miami. Both Mike McDaniel and Dan Campbell have maintained the stance of keeping their starting players out of preseason games to protect them for the upcoming campaign.
The purpose of these games is to give valuable reps to players who usually see limited action during the regular season. It’s a necessary chance to evaluate their performance and response to different in-game situations. At the same time, both the Lions and Dolphins are determined to preserve their top stars.
When will the Dolphins and Lions debut in the 2025 NFL season?
The Dolphins’ season opener is set for Sunday, September 7 in the afternoon, when Tagovailoa and his team will take on the Indianapolis Colts. The Lions will debut the same day in an intense divisional showdown on the road against the Green Bay Packers.