By Moses Joshua 
Dan Campbell Offers Clues on Lions’ Preseason Player Rotation
Rookies Set to Get Valuable Reps as Lions Prepare for Hall of Fame Game
As the Detroit Lions inch closer to their preseason opener in the Hall of Fame Game against the Los Angeles Chargers, head coach Dan Campbell has offered insight into how he plans to handle playing time—particularly for his rookies. While the stakes of the game may be low, the opportunity to evaluate young talent under the lights is invaluable.
Campbell Keeps It Real: Rookies Will See the Field
Campbell didn’t name names, but his message was loud and clear: expect to see a healthy dose of Detroit’s 2025 rookie class this August.
“I think all of those guys need to play in a game, or games,” Campbell explained. “So, I think our young guys are going to—I see them playing in this game. Now, am I going to say that it’s written in stone right now? No, I’m not. But I think I’d like to play those guys.”
That measured statement fits Campbell’s no-nonsense, results-driven coaching style. While many NFL teams err on the side of caution when it comes to their high draft picks, Detroit’s head coach sees value in experience—even if there’s a bit of risk involved.
High Draft Picks in the Spotlight
Though Campbell avoided naming players directly, it’s not hard to infer which rookies he has in mind. First-round defensive tackle Tyleik Williams and second-round offensive lineman Tate Ratledge are both expected to start Week 1, and each stands to benefit from game-speed reps.
Ratledge, in particular, has been juggling assignments during early camp. After three days of reps at center—a position he never played in college—the Georgia product returned to right guard, his natural role, for the latter half of the week.
“He’s drinking out of a fire hose right now,” Campbell said earlier. “But there are things that we saw with him in college at Georgia that we felt like, ‘You know what? We think this guy can play center.’”
That versatility may prove to be a long-term asset for the team. In the short term, though, it creates a learning curve that only live reps can flatten.
Four Games, One Objective: Development
With the Lions having four preseason contests—starting with the Hall of Fame Game—Campbell emphasized that this stretch is about preparation more than preservation.
“You got four games here… so that’ll be the plan,” Campbell said, referencing the chance to get rookies real-time action. And with the team’s veterans unlikely to suit up much, the stage is set for Detroit’s youngest players to show what they’ve got.
While there are still questions—like whether Ratledge will stick at center or slide permanently to guard—the broader picture is one of opportunity. Campbell and his staff appear committed to trial by fire, trusting that reps now will pay dividends come the regular season.
Detroit kicks off its preseason on Thursday night in Canton, Ohio. For rookies looking to earn trust and cement roles, the countdown has begun.