Pacheco’s placement on IR immediately raises questions about the running back depth chart and whether the room remains deep enough for the Lions to sustain a big season. The team expects strong performance out of its running backs, but doubts now arise with Pacheco sidelined. With Pacheco out, the running back depth chart features:

• Jahmyr Gibbs
• Sione Vaki
• Jacob Saylors
• Jabari Small

Potential return timeline for Pacheco

The move means Pacheco will miss Detroit’s first four games against the New Orleans Saints, Buffalo Bills, New York Jets, and Carolina Panthers. The earliest he could return would be Week 5 against the Arizona Cardinals on Oct. 11. Detroit then has its bye in Week 6.

Pacheco originally went down with a sprained MCL during training camp. At the time, head coach Dan Campbell expressed optimism that he could be ready for Detroit’s regular-season opener.

Detroit signed Pacheco in March after trading David Montgomery to the Houston Texans, with the former Kansas City Chief expected to become the primary complement to Jahmyr Gibbs.

Pacheco spent his first four NFL seasons with Kansas City and enters 2026 with 2,537 rushing yards, 554 receiving yards, and 17 total touchdowns. He also brings two Super Bowl championships to a Lions team trying to make its own postseason run.

“The starters are going to play, probably about a series or two,” Steichen clarified to the press that some of his starters will see playing time, with Daniels being the exception. “Eight to 12 plays, offensive and defensive guys. The only guys who won’t be playing, for sure, are Daniel (Jones) and J.T. (Jonathan Taylor)“

For the Lions, the main question revolves around who will be Jared Goff’s primary backup in Week 1. The head coach, who appears to favor Dobbs’ experience for the role, wants to see both signal-callers on the field one final time during the preseason before making a final decision.

Colts vs. Lions preview: Final preseason clash

Week 3 of the preseason features a matchup between two teams looking to bounce back from a disappointing 2025 campaign that fell well short of expectations. Both the Colts and Lions missed the postseason, and now they are looking to turn the page and write a different story in 2026.

In their first two games of the preseason, Shane Steichen and the Colts posted mixed results and still have plenty to improve. In their preseason opener, the Colts played to a 13-13 tie against the New England Patriots, while Week 2 ended in a 34-6 loss to the Atlanta Falcons.

The Lions, meanwhile, appear to be heading into the start of the regular season with a slightly more consistent level of play. Their first preseason game ended in a narrow 16-14 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals, while they bounced back in their second outing with a 17-13 victory over the Washington Commanders.

The roles of Jones and Goff

Leaving their biggest stars on the sidelines at this stage has one clear objective: to keep them healthy ahead of the regular-season opener. Both Daniel Jones and Jared Goff are essential to their respective teams, which is why Shane Steichen and Dan Campbell have no interest in taking any unnecessary risks with either quarterback.

The Colts will make their season debut on September 13, when they host an AFC contender in the Baltimore Ravens. The Lions, meanwhile, will also open their season at Ford Field on the same date, hosting the New Orleans Saints.

The Lions’ QB room may not be the most crowded in the NFL, which is why it is essential to protect their biggest star, at least at this stage of preparation. The head coach must ultimately determine whether Dobbs or Altmyer will be the one backing up Goff starting in Week 1.

With the start of a new season getting closer, the Lions want to once again be a major contender in the NFC North. Jared Goff, who has taken his team to a very high level, will once again be the one taking the reins of this team.

On the Commanders’ side, the situation appears to be somewhat different. Dan Quinn is expected to have some of his key players on the field, including Jayden Daniels, Terry McLaurin, as well as recently acquired Stefon Diggs.

Arriving in top form for Week 1

Over time, the Lions have become an important team in the NFC, even more so following the arrival of Jared Goff. After their loss to the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 1 of the 2026 NFL Preseason, this team wants to turn things around immediately.

Beyond this interesting matchup against the Commanders, Dan Campbell and his players will wrap up their preseason preparation next Saturday, August 29, when they visit Lucas Oil Stadium to face the Indianapolis Colts.

The 2026 NFL season in sight

Detroit wants to make a statement in one of the most competitive divisions in the league. Getting off to a strong start is imperative, in a schedule that, on paper, appears to be somewhat favorable early on.

How to watch Lions vs Commanders in the USA

Fubo and NFL+ are the options to watch the game in the U.S. NFL+ provides live out-of-market preseason games, although local blackout restrictions can apply. Fubo also carries NFL programming.

Can I watch Lions vs Commanders for free?

Eligible new Fubo subscribers can watch Lions vs. Commanders for free through the 5-day free trial. The platform offers a free-trial option and carries NFL Network, although the exact trial duration and availability can vary by plan.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

The Detroit Lions and Washington Commanders meet in Week 2 of the 2026 NFL preseason, so the result will not affect the regular-season standings. Instead, the matchup is an important evaluation opportunity with both teams looking to define their rosters before the regular season.

Washington enters the game 1-0 after beating the Miami Dolphins 20-7, while Detroit is 0-1 after a narrow 16-14 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. For Detroit, Saturday is expected to be a more revealing test than the preseason opener.

Dan Campbell plans to play a significant number of starters, giving players such as Jared Goff and other key contributors an opportunity to get live repetitions before the regular season. The Lions also have several roster battles to monitor, particularly at interior offensive line, slot cornerback and backup quarterback.

Washington has its own important decisions to make, particularly at quarterback and across a defense dealing with several injuries. Jayden Daniels‘ availability remains a major storyline, while Marcus Mariota is expected to miss the remainder of the preseason with an MCL injury.

The Commanders are nevertheless expected to play some of their starters against Detroit, making this a valuable opportunity for the first-team units to gain preseason reps.

What time is the Lions vs Commanders match?

The Lions vs. Commanders game kicks off on Saturday, August 22, at 12:00 PM ET. For viewers in different regions of the United States, here are the local start times:

• Eastern Time: 12:00 PM ET
• Central Time: 11:00 AM CT
• Mountain Time: 10:00 AM MT
• Pacific Time: 9:00 AM PT

How to watch Bengals vs Lions in the USA

The Detroit Lions vs. Cincinnati Bengals preseason game will be available to watch on NBC in the USA, with kickoff scheduled for Thursday. For streaming, NFL+ and Fubo are the main option for viewers outside the local markets.

Can I watch Bengals vs Lions for free?

Viewers can watch Bengals vs. Lions for free with Fubo‘s 5-day free trial. It is carrying the matchup and currently offers a free trial for new eligible subscribers, allowing fans to watch the game without paying during the trial period.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

The Bengals and Lions are opening their 2026 NFL Preseason schedules, but the two teams are approaching Thursday night’s matchup at Paycor Stadium with different priorities.

Cincinnati is expected to give several projected starters some work, including Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins and Dexter Lawrence, making the game an early opportunity to build rhythm before the regular season.

Detroit is taking a different approach. Jared Goff is not expected to play, leaving young quarterback Luke Altmyer with an important opportunity to take significant snaps against a Bengals defense that will feature some of its top players. The Lions are using the opener primarily to evaluate younger players and position battles ahead of roster cuts.

One of the most intriguing battles to follow is along Detroit’s offensive line, where Seth McLaughlin is competing for the starting center job. Rookie Blake Miller is also expected to receive meaningful playing time at tackle. With several established Lions sitting out, the preseason opener could have a direct impact on how the team’s depth chart develops.

What time is the Bengals vs Lions match?

The Bengals vs. Lions game kicks off today, Thursday, August 13, at 7:00 PM ET at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati. The Lions’ official schedule and the game’s ticket information both confirm the 7:00 PM ET start.

• Eastern Time: 7:00 PM
• Central Time: 6:00 PM
• Mountain Time: 5:00 PM
• Pacific Time: 4:00 PM

“No, I don’t see Goff playing. Even if we didn’t have a quarterback, Goff’s not playing. We’ll just roll out… I don’t know, give me a name. You know what? We’ll put Tom Kennedy at quarterback,” Campbell said.

“We’ll do that in a heartbeat. He’ll run the whole show for the game. But no, so I don’t see Goff playing. Certainly (Luke) Altmyer is going to take a heavy load and then anybody else we get, we’ll get them up to speed as fast as we can and give them some reps.”

It’s clear that Goff is one of the team’s biggest stars, and he has proven it since joining Detroit in 2021. Preserving his health is key for Campbell to keep him fresh throughout what promises to be a tough NFL season.

New faces in the Lions’ QB room

The Detroit Lions acted swiftly to secure veteran stability in their quarterback room ahead of the new season. They signed Josh Dobbs after Teddy Bridgewater’s retirement, bringing in the experienced 31-year-old journeyman on a one-year deal to serve as the primary backup behind starter Jared Goff.

Known as the “Passtronaut” for his degree in aerospace engineering and his ability to quickly learn complex playbooks, Dobbs provides Detroit with a reliable, intelligent presence under center to keep the offense on track if called upon.

Who will start against Cincinnati?

While there has yet to be any official confirmation from Dan Campbell, the head coach is expected to give both recently acquired Joshua Dobbs and Luke Altmyer a chance to see action throughout the game against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Upcoming preseason games for Detroit

• at Cincinnati Bengals, Week 1 – August 13
• vs Washington Commanders, Week 2 – August 22
• at Indianapolis Colts, Week 3 – August 29

As reported by Jordan Schultz, the Giants will host Arnold for a visit on Wednesday. The former first-round selection in the 2024 NFL Draft will be at Big Blue’s facilities in East Rutherford, where the G-Men recently resumed training camp after a two-week stay in West Virginia.

Accused of robbery and kidnapping, Arnold turned himself in to authorities on June 24 before being released from custody after posting bond. Detroit released its former first-rounder shortly after. It remains to be seen whether Arnold will be allowed to play in the 2026 NFL season, but the Giants are still doing their due diligence. They are far from alone, though.

Other teams in on Arnold

In addition to the Giants, Schultz’s report indicates that the cornerback has visited the New Orleans Saints, Houston Texans, and Seattle Seahawks. More visits and workouts may be to come as the 23-year-old defensive back out of the University of Alabama explores every option.

All the while, the federal investigation remains active as authorities look into Arnold’s case, in which he’s accused of “orchestrating the abduction and beating of three men whom prosecutors believe he wrongly suspected of having stolen from him,” via ESPN.

For the time being, Arnold has been ordered to remain in home confinement, with exceptions for travel to NFL games, practices, or league-related meetings, as well as legal proceedings. Thus, for the time being, Arnold faces no restrictions as he travels across the U.S. to attend team visits and searches for his next club.

Arnold’s stats

Through his first two years in the NFL, Arnold has played in 24 games, recording one interception, 18 pass deflections, a fumble recovery, and 70 solo tackles. The Lions selected him with the 24th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft and signed him to a four-year, $14.3 million contract.

Per Adam Schefter of ESPN, head coach Dan Campbell confirmed the MCL sprain injury, but also expects Pacheco to be able to play in Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season. Still, Pacheco, who has a history of leg injuries, should be taking good care if he wants to be available.

Pacheco comes to replace David Montgomery. Both are more rustic, strong, go-for-contact backs. Meanwhile, Gibbs is more an agile, explosive, high-octane runner with homerun ability.

Pacheco’s injury history

A seventh-rounder who overcame the odds and won a Super Bowl being an intrinsical part of the Chiefs roster saw how his career came, once again, to a halt due to very gruesome injuries. These are the injuries he’s suffered, mainly on the legs:

• Fractured Fibula (2024): Missed 10 games after breaking a bone in his lower leg early in the 2024 season, though he returned in time for the team’s playoff stretch.
• MCL Sprain (2025): Missed four games during his final year with the Kansas City Chiefs due to a right knee sprain.
• MCL Sprain (2026): Suffered a minor knee injury in August 2026 training camp with the Lions, missing practices but tracking to play in the opener.

Pacheco needs a bounce back year

In his first two seasons, Pacheco ran for 830 and 935 yards respectively. However, then injuries came to plague him. In 2024, Pacheco only played eight games and ran for 310 yards. Then, last season he ran for 462. Hence, his decline has been steep.

At 27-years-old, there is still chance for Pacheco to recover and be a valuable piece. However, being on the Lions with Gibbs on the depth chart, his shot at being RB1 rely on his health and Gibbs‘. If Gibbs isn’t injured, he won’t be RB1 anytime soon.

Per Campbell, who spoke on the Lions’ press conference, Jahmyr Gibbs has “only scratched the surface” on what he can do, and they’re prepared to “push him” this season.

That statement, paired to the fact that the Lions let David Montgomery go, and Gibbs is up there as one of the highest-paid running backs in the NFL, makes the Lions intentions clear as day. Gibbs will be the workhorse of this offense.

Jahmyr Gibbs was stellar in 2025

Gibbs was an incredible player in the 2025 NFL season. In 2025, Gibbs had 1839 scrimmage yards and 18 total touchdowns. He was a Pro Bowler and one of the most unstoppable forces in the league.

And that was sharing snaps with Montgomery. Yes, Gibbs was the most prominent back on the roster, but Montgomery was still stealing snaps out of him. Now, he is all alone in the Lions’ backfield.

Gibbs is a very complete running back

Not only does Gibbs have a very complete skill set, but he is excels at every single area. Gibbs has agility, blazing long speed and incredible release. He is a weapon in the passing game as well, and has huge jukes and spins to go around the NFL defenders.

According to Mike Garafolo of NFL Network, Josh Dobbs inked a one-year, $1.425 million deal with $475 thousand fully guaranteed. That is a strong commitment. Still, it’s less than what Bridgewater made. He was one of the potential replacements for the Lions as Bridgewater retired.

The now-retired QB had inked a one-year, $1.8 million contract with the Detroit Lions in March 2026, which included $1.59 million guaranteed. However, Bridgewater was a more well-regarded QB than the ‘Passtronaut‘.

Josh Dobbs’ profile

Standing at 6’3″ and 220 lbs, Dobbs is a 31-year-old quarterback who has been regarded as a valuable backup in the NFL. Dobbs, whose ‘Passtronaut‘ nickname comes from his degree as an Aerospace Engineer, has played for the Steelers, Titans, Cardinals, Vikings, 49ers, and Patriots.

Dobbs has 3,346 passing yards for 17 touchdowns and 15 interceptions on 62.8 completion percentage and a 78.3 passer rating. Where Dobbs enjoyed his best football was in 2023, where he started 12 games for Arizona and Minnesota.

Dobbs is likely not seeing the field much though

The Detroit Lions have a solid QB1 in Jared Goff, who is a borderline top 10 quarterback in the NFL. Hence, unless he is injured, the likelihood of Dobbs taking the field is very dim.

Still, as a veteran, Dobbs is a very serviceable and smart quarterback. So, if he indeed needs to be under center, he will surely know the playbook at a good rate. Dobbs have been around a long time in this league.

ESPN insider Adam Schefter reported through his X account that Bridgewater was officially placed on the reserve/retired list. From now on, the Lions will have to move quickly to find his replacement.

Without Bridgewater and with Goff as the starting quarterback, Luke Altmyer currently sits atop the depth chart after joining the team as an undrafted free agent out of Illinois. Still, it is unlikely that the rookie will emerge as the primary backup.

Several intriguing players who could fill the position are still unsigned, and some of them could potentially fill the vacant spot. Detroit does not have much time before the start of the NFL season, so they will need to act quickly.

Potential candidates to replace Bridgewater

Experienced signal-callers such as Jimmy Garoppolo and Joshua Dobbs top the list of potential targets capable of managing the offense on short notice. Other viable options include veteran C.J. Beathard, who offers existing familiarity with the Lions’ system, alongside free agents like John Wolford and Brett Rypien to provide steady depth and leadership in the backup role.

Bridgewater’s time in Detroit

During his lone season with the Detroit Lions in 2023, Teddy Bridgewater served primarily as the primary backup to starting quarterback Jared Goff. Across 17 regular-season games, Bridgewater appeared in just one game, recording no passing attempts while logging two rushing carries for -2 yards in victory-formation kneel-downs.

Though his statistical line in Detroit was virtually nonexistent, his veteran presence and leadership in the QB room were widely credited with supporting Goff during the Lions’ historic run to the NFC Championship Game.