Photo: Junfu Han ~ USA TODAY NETWORK
DETROIT, Aug. 21, 2025 ~ Dan Campbell was fired up ahead of the Detroit Lions’ final joint practice with the Houston Texans, calling it a “significant” day for evaluating talent and getting better as a team. He spoke highly of Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans and the culture he’s building in Houston. “They hustle, they hit, they’re disciplined,” Campbell said. “It’ll be a good test for us.” With the regular season fast approaching, Campbell made it clear that this kind of competitive work is exactly what the Lions need to sharpen their edge.
Detroit’s defense didn’t disappoint. The unit came out swinging, forcing four turnovers and showing the kind of grit and intensity Campbell has been preaching all camp. With roster cuts looming, these performances couldn’t come at a better time. The next few days, including Saturday’s preseason-finale-at-home against Houston at 1 p.m. at Ford Field, will be crucial in deciding who makes the final 53-man roster.
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The Detroit Lions wrapped up training camp today with a joint practice alongside the Houston Texans, gearing up for their preseason finale on Saturday afternoon. For more Lions coverage, head to https://t.co/9QLov3jgSa. pic.twitter.com/NNwRuyjez0
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(CONTINUED) Injuries add some complexity to those decisions. Defensive linemen Mekhi Wingo and Josh Pascal are still working their way back, with Pascal likely out until sometime in September. Campbell admitted it’s tough to evaluate players who aren’t getting full reps, but he’s leaning on General Manager Brad Holmes to help navigate the roster puzzle. “If he says somebody’s going to make it through waivers, they will make it through,” Campbell said. Depth is a major priority this year, especially after how last season played out.
Campbell also had praise for Houston’s young roster, calling them a team on the rise. He singled out wide receiver Nico Collins, a Michigan alum, as a standout player. “He’s a crafty route runner, he plays strong, plays physical,” Campbell said. “There’s really not much he can’t do.” With a quarterback who trusts him and a roster full of talent, Campbell believes the Texans are going to be a problem for years to come. As for the Lions, he’s sticking to his philosophy: build from the trenches, stay disciplined, and keep growing. Saturday’s final-chance-to-make-the-team game will be the last opportunity for players to make their case.
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