The Detroit Lions now know their full preseason schedule for 2025 — and with that, speculation is heating up over who they might partner with for joint practices.
Dan Campbell’s squad is headed to Canton to open things up in the Hall of Fame Game against the Chargers on July 31 — a historic moment, as it’s Detroit’s first appearance in the game since 1991.
Campbell hasn’t revealed any official plans for joint practices, but he’s always been vocal about their value. In the past, he’s said they help break up the monotony of training camp and give the team a more competitive edge leading into the season.
So who are the likely candidates?
If the Lions choose to stay in Michigan for camp, the two obvious options are the Miami Dolphins and Houston Texans — both of whom will be visiting Ford Field during the preseason.
But if Detroit hits the road, don’t be surprised to see them link up with the Atlanta Falcons. GM Brad Holmes has deep ties to the region and scouted there for years, making it a comfortable landing spot. That could open the door for a joint practice with Atlanta before Game 2 — followed by potential sessions with the Dolphins ahead of the preseason finale.
Last season, the Lions held joint practices with the New York Giants, and that competitive work paid off. Expect them to keep that trend going in 2025, even if the final pairings haven’t been confirmed yet.
Here’s the Lions’ full 2025 preseason schedule:
Game 1: vs. Chargers (Hall of Fame Game – July 31, 8 p.m. ET on NBC)
Game 2: at Falcons
Game 3: vs. Dolphins
Game 4: vs. Texans
The Lions have options, and wherever they end up, expect physical, high-energy practices — just the way Dan Campbell likes it.