The football season is finally back— and so are the Detroit Lions. Dan Campbell’s side played their first preseason game on August 13, losing to the Cincinnati Bengals 14-16. Now, the Lions’ second game is set for August 22, when they will take on the NFC East’s Washington Commanders.
Here is how you can watch the preseason game live:
Opponent: Washington Commanders
Date: Saturday, August 22, 2026
Location: Ford Field Stadium, Detroit, Michigan.
Television Broadcast Options:
As it is a preseason game, the television broadcast will largely depend on the area.
Detroit Market’s channel: WJBK-TV (FOX 2)
Washington, D.C. Market’s channel: WUSA9 (CBS 9)
Live Streaming Options:
TV broadcasting options are limited to particular locations, but this doesn’t apply to live streaming, as the game can be watched from anywhere in the country on these platforms:
NFL+: All the preseason games of the season, including the Lions Vs Commanders, will be streamed here.
Fubo: Streams local channels (FOX 2 / WUSA9)
Radio Broadcast Options:
For the Lions fans: Lions Radio Network: WXYT-FM (97.1 The Ticket)
For the Commanders fans: BIG 100 (WBIG-FM)
Dan Campbell Could Play Some Starters Against the Washington Commanders
Dan Campbell rested the starters against the Bengals last week, testing the bench strength and delivering a decent performance against the AFC North side, which had some starters, including the franchise QB Joe Burrow. However, it is going to change when the Lions walk into Ford Field on Saturday.
The 50-year-old has already hinted that some starters could play against the Commanders to shake off the rust before heading into Week 1. But the star quarterback Jared Goff will be on the sidelines, and there is a possibility that the starters from other positions could take game reps.
“I’m not going to tell you guys, but not everybody will play. I would tell you that. We are going to play a significant amount of the starters. That’s my plan right now,” Campbell said earlier this week, teasing a much stronger Lions squad could be taking the field.
With Jared Goff out of the picture this weekend, the newly acquired veteran QB Joshua Dobbs will be at the center, and a good performance could firmly establish him as the main backup before Week 1.
GettyLions QB Joshua Dobbs
From the O-line, the former Houston Texans star Juice Scruggs could make his preseason debut after recovering from a soft tissue issue. Moreover, Seth McLaughlin, who had an impressive showing against the Bengals, could also get game reps at center in the absence of Cade Mays alongside Tate Ratledge.
Campbell could test the depth of the wide receiving unit by playing Greg Dortch and Isaac TeSlaa, while the likes of Roger McCreary, Keith Abney II, and Eric O’Neill could also see opportunities to contribute on the defensive side. As the HC has been keeping things under wraps, it will be interesting to see which starters take snaps against the Commanders.
Once the Saturday game is over, the Lions will have another preseason game to play.
Lions Will Play Colts In Third Preseason Game
Before the big test against the Saints in Week 1, the Lions will play their final preseason game against the Indianapolis Colts. To play the game, they will be traveling to Indianapolis.
It remains to be seen whether Campbell finally features Jared Goff in the final preseason game against the Colts on August 29. Until then, the Lions will be chasing their first preseason victory tomorrow.
Lions vs. Commanders: Where and How to Watch Saturday’s Preseason Game