ALLEN PARK, Mich. (AP) — With a dozen days of training camp and one preseason game in the books, questions remain about the Detroit Lions offensive line starters.
Coach Dan Campbell learned more about the line in the loss at Cincinnati on Thursday.
“When we did it right up front, when we were all together doing it right, using the fundamentals, it was pretty and we were effective,’’ Campbell said on Saturday. “I thought a number of things in the run game were really good.’’
While most starters did not play, including left tackle Penei Sewell, Campbell got a good look at right tackle, rookie Blake Miller and at center Seth McLaughlin who both started.
Throughout camp, Campbell has been bullish on Miller, a first-round pick, praising his consistency and demeanor. That didn’t change after the game.
McLaughlin, a second-year offensive lineman who has not played in an NFL game, stepped in after starting center Cade Mays sustained a wrist injury last week and will be out for significant time.
McLaughlin started with Michael Niese taking over later in the game. Juice Scruggs is also in the mix at center. Scruggs, a veteran, was back at practice on Saturday after sustaining a soft tissue injury last week.
“One of the things we talk about with Seth. He’s not this enormous person. His niche is playing low — he’s quick, he’s super sharp and he’s really good at the second level,’’ Campbell said. “Then pass game as the anchor, in a lot of cases he has to do double what somebody else does that has more size or stature to him, that’s the hand he’s dealt. I thought he did that the other night.’’
Christian Mahogany, who started 11 games at left guard last season, has competition from veteran Ben Bartch who also returned from an injury on Saturday.
“I thought Mahogany, I thought he was a physical force,’’ Campbell said. “When he does it right it’s pretty and it’s powerful, it’s explosive. In the pass game he’s got to anchor and sometimes he gets a little out of sorts — it’s just the consistency of it.’’
With two preseason games remaining, Campbell has time to find the five best starters.
“This is an ongoing battle,’’ he said.
See AP’s full NFL coverage here
Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell talks to the media after a preseason NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell watches against the Cincinnati Bengals during the second half of a preseason NFL football game Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
Detroit Lions quarterback Josh Dobbs (6) is sacked by the Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle Kris Jenkins Jr. (90) during the first half of a preseason NFL football game Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — Everything is new for Kyler Murray after joining the Minnesota Vikings, so he made sure to soak in every little thing, from the flights and bus rides to the purple-and-white uniform.
“I’ve never been more excited to play a preseason game,” Murray said. “Reality's set in.”
In his first game action since being named the starting quarterback, Murray led a drive that ended in a field goal on the way to a 13-10 victory at the New York Giants on Saturday in each team's preseason opener.
Murray, who spent his first seven NFL seasons with the Arizona Cardinals, completed two of his three passes for 10 yards as Minnesota coach Kevin O'Connell played his first-team offense — minus top receiver Justin Jefferson — for just one series.
“I had a blast,” Murray said. “Today was everything I thought it would be.”
J.J. McCarthy, the 10th pick in the 2024 draft who has been relegated to backup duty, struggled in his first possession before settling in to finish 4 of 7 for 34 yards.
In John Harbaugh's first time on the sideline as Giants coach, starter Jaxson Dart was sacked twice on six drop-backs, the second time getting crushed by Vikings safety Jay Ward.
Dart was escorted to the blue medical tent to be evaluated for a concussion, then returned two snaps later to complete a 15-yard touchdown pass to rookie Malachi Fields on the second-year QB's final play of the game.
Proud of how the drive ended, Dart questioned the visit to the medical tent, which he visited several times during his rookie year.
“As far as the blue tent, I really respect the rules and the thought behind (it) the NFL has of keeping players healthy and reviewing things,” said Dart, who was 3 of 4 for 26 yards. “But at the same time, I’m still puzzled by it just feeling like every time I get hit, I find my way in there, which at times I still try to wrap my head around.”
Vikings safety/linebacker Jamal Adams was taken off the field on a cart after going down on a noncontact play and grabbing at his right knee early in the second quarter. O'Connell did not want to go into details but confirmed it was a right knee injury and added that the initial exam did not look good.
“We’ve absolutely loved his play style, his compete and he was genuinely carving out a significant role for himself,” O'Connell said. “It just kills you. It absolutely guts you. ... Just absolutely crushed for him.”
Adams, 30, was playing in his first game with Minnesota after signing on the eve of the start of training camp.
Fourth-string quarterback Max Brosmer exited with an injury to the thumb on his right, throwing hand, and O'Connell said more tests were planned.
Nearly a decade removed from his glory days with the Giants, Odell Beckham Jr. played his first game back with the team that drafted him and drew big cheers from the fans in attendance when he entered in the second quarter and made his first catch on a 6-yard pass from Jameis Winston. Beckham made one more catch for no gain.
The 33-year-old called it a surreal afternoon.
“It’s been a long time coming,” Beckham said. “I’m just excited, trying to stay in the moment, be where my feet are at and make plays.”
Vikings receiver Myles Price kept his strong camp going into the preseason. Price had four receptions for 51 yards, most notably a one-handed touchdown catch from Carson Wentz in the third quarter.
See AP’s full NFL coverage here
New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. takes the field for a preseason NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) is helped off the field after being sacked by Minnesota Vikings' Jay Ward during the first half of a preseason NFL football game Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) is sacked by Minnesota Vikings safety Jay Ward (24) during the first half of a preseason NFL football game Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants' Jaxson Dart (6) celebrates with wide receiver Malachi Fields (0) after connecting for a touch pass against the Minnesota Vikings during the first half of a preseason NFL football game Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) pitches the ball to running back Demond Claiborne during the first half of a preseason NFL football game against the New York Giants Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray (1) throws a pass against the New York Giants during the first half of a preseason NFL football game Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
