The Detroit Lions will take the field for the first time in 2026 Thursday night.In their preseason opener, the Lions will take on the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium. Fans won't get to see the Lions' stars, as head coach Dan Campbell doesn't expect to play many of his starters. However, there are several noteworthy players who will hit the field against a Bengals team that will trot out its starters.Here are 12 players to watch in the Lions' preseason opener against the Bengals. OT Blake MillerCampbell stated that he plans to play his first-round pick from this year's draft, so Miller will get his introduction to the NFL on Thursday night. It's been an up and down training camp full of learning moments for Miller up to this point, as he's been getting reps against Aidan Hutchinson throughout.Now, Miller will get a chance to take aim at a Bengals defense that will feature its starters for a fixed amount of time. It's uncertain exactly how long Miller will play, but there will be plenty of eyes on his every move throughout Thursday's game given his status as a first-round pick.EDGE Ahmed HassaneinHassanein has been one of the biggest standouts from this year's camp. He's changed positions, shifting from the EDGE to the big end, and as a result has seen a boost in his performance throughout camp.Last year, Hassanein flashed before having his season ended with a preseason injury. Now, he gets a shot to prove his worthiness of not only a roster spot, but a significant role on this year's team. He should get plenty of opportunities to make an impact, and could have a statement performance if his performance in practice translates to the game.QB Luke AltmyerJared Goff is not expected to play, and the abrupt retirement of Teddy Bridgewater left the Lions scrambling. Detroit added Josh Dobbs to the quarterback room, but it's expected that Altmyer will get a hefty workload in his first taste of game action.Altmyer is an intriguing undrafted free agent addition for Detroit. He's had his moments in camp thus far, and reviews from coaches and teammates have been positive. He'll have the opportunity to prove them right in his first preseason showing.LB Devin WhiteAfter Jimmy Rolder suffered an injury, the Lions quickly added White to the roster. While there were concerns about White's performance in recent years and whether he was capable of playing at a high level, he has reportedly had a phenomenal start to camp.White will play in Thursday's game, and as a result fans will get their first look at the former All-Pro in a Lions uniform. He has the upside to start and play a huge role in Detroit's defense, and could offer a glimpse of that against the Bengals.RB Jacob SaylorsWith Jahmyr Gibbs, Isiah Pacheco and even Sione Vaki not expected to play, Thursday's game will be a showcase of depth. Reports indicate that Jabari Small missed practice Tuesday and may have an injury he's dealing with, so expect Saylors to be the first option.Saylors was on the Lions' active roster throughout the regular season last year primarily as a kick returner. Now, Thursday gives him the chance to prove he's worthy of having a bigger role. He could shrink the gap between he and Vaki, who is currently the third running back, with a good performance.LB Erick HunterSpecial teams coordinator Dave Fipp's intuition will be tested Thursday, as he projected Hunter to have "a million" tackles throughout Detroit's preseason slate. While that projection may have been exaggerated, Hunter is expected to be a big contributor defensively.The Lions are deep with veterans at the linebacker position, especially with the recent additions of White and Amen Ogbongbemiga. However, there could be a path to a roster for Hunter on special teams. He should get plenty of work in all phases on Thursday.WR Cedrick WilsonWilson has stood out on a few highlight plays throughout camp, and as a veteran could surprise some in what is a deep wide receiver room. He does have plenty of experience, and for a young quarterback like Altmyer, Wilson could be a reliable target. Looking to revitalize his career after going around the league throughout his career, Wilson has a chance to make a statement in his first preseason game with the Lions. Detroit has several talented options at the position, and as a result they're looking for players to take advantage of the opportunity.EDGE Anthony LucasLucas was one of the top undrafted players in this year's class, and landed in Detroit looking for a shot to prove himself. He has plenty of upside as a former first-round pick, and his size and athleticism gives him all the necessary tools.The USC product could be utilized either as a big end or a speed rusher, and as a result could be a presence in the Bengals' backfield. With Derrick Moore expected to be out dealing with a groin injury, Lucas could get a heavy workload.C Seth McLaughlinCade Mays is expected to be out for a significant amount of time with a wrist injury, and as a result McLaughlin has his shot. Signed to a futures contract this offseason, McLaughlin assumed first team duties earlier in the week and presumably will be the first guy at the pivot in Thursday's game.Juice Scruggs is currently sidelined dealing with a soft-tissue injury, and when he gets back he's expected to enter the center competition. As a result, McLaughlin could have his biggest opportunity to make a statement that he belongs on the final roster in Thursday's game.CB Ennis RakestrawAfter injuries have derailed the first two seasons of his career, Rakestraw is looking to prove he belongs on Detroit's defense. He may not be at starter level at this point, as Rock Ya-Sin appears to be pulling away in the competition for the second starting cornerback spot.As a result, Rakestraw could see snaps in Thursday's game. With the Bengals playing their starters, he could draw a matchup against Ja'Marr Chase or Tee Higgins. This would be a great test for him, and could provide clarity for fans about where he stands.TE Jackson MeeksMeeks is one of the most intriguing players on the roster bubble offensively for Detroit. The Syracuse product is a converted wide receiver, and added bulk this offseason to get ready for the position change.Like Wilson, Meeks could be a consistent target for Altmyer and Dobbs. He flashed plenty of potential in the preseason last year as a UDFA, and though it wasn't enough to make the team, he showed enough to remain with the organization for the entire year. CB Nick WhitesideWhiteside is another player who has stood out the most in camp, as he has gone from afterthought to legitimate contender for a role in the secondary. He has been getting his hands on the ball seemingly every day in practice, and shown good coverage skills throughout camp.Now, Whiteside has the opportunity to do it in a game. The Bengals playing their starters is a huge test for him, as he could have a good test awaiting him across the line of scrimmage. Thursday is an opportunity for him to add validity to the claims that he's been among the best in camp.Add us as a preferred source on GoogleFollow