By: Joe Reedy | AP
Posted on: Friday, August 14, 2026

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CINCINNATI (AP) — Joe Flacco threw a touchdown pass in relief of Joe Burrow, Evan McPherson kicked three field goals and the Cincinnati Bengals beat the Detroit Lions 16-14 Thursday night in the preseason opener for both teams.

Cincinnati coach Zac Taylor got his starters at least three plays. Burrow and the first-string offensive line played two series, with the franchise quarterback going 5 of 6 for 39 yards.

“The number one focus I think we walk away from is we got the win,” Taylor said. “I think a lot of guys got a lot of opportunity today to really showcase their abilities.”

Detroit’s Dan Campbell didn’t play most of his starters, including quarterback Jared Goff, running back Jahmyr Gibbs and edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson. Offensive tackle Blake Miller, taken with the 17th overall pick in the NFL draft, was in for 33 snaps, all in the first half.

Luke Altmyer played most of the game and went 13 of 22 for 130 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions. The undrafted rookie directed a 12-play, 80-yard touchdown drive late in the fourth quarter, capped by his 24-yard pass to Tarik Black with 1:35 remaining. Altmyer’s 2-point conversion on a keeper got the Lions within 16-14.

Cincinnati recovered the onside kick but went three-and-out and punted. Russ Yeast then picked off Altmyer at the Lions 35.

Detroit also got a pair of first-half field goals from Jake Bates on a sloppy night for the offense. The Lions committed three turnovers and also turned it over on downs at the Cincinnati 29 late in the first quarter.

Campbell was pleased that his defense held the Bengals to only one touchdown.

“I from afar felt that our defense competed and made some plays. It wasn’t perfect but they held their own for a first preseason game,” he said.

The Lions drove to the Bengals 33 on the first series before Jordan Battle picked off Altmyer at the 25 after the pass went off the hands of wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa.

The Bengals turned a Lions turnover into a touchdown in the second quarter. A bad handoff between Altmyer and Jacob Saylors was recovered by defensive end Cashius Howell, Cincinnati’s second-round pick, at the Lions 7.

Two plays later, Flacco connected with rookie tight end Jack Endries on a 4-yard screen pass to make it 10-0. Flacco finished 5 of 8 for 51 yards.

Third-string QB Josh Johnson was 10 of 19 for 84 yards.

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) signals at the line of scrimmage against the Detroit Lions during the first half of a preseason NFL football game Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, in Cincinnati. [Carolyn Kaster | AP] Bengals starters see early action

Burrow was in for 13 snaps. He threw a 16-yard strike down the middle to Ja’Marr Chase on the Bengals’ second offensive play.

He completed passes to four players, including two to running back Samaje Perine.

With Taylor trying to show different looks on offense, Burrow was under center on the first four plays and seven overall.

“We’re working to get better in all facets, that certainly being one of them and adding that to our system and see where it can take us,” Burrow said.

One thing Taylor won’t like is that Burrow was sacked once and then hit while throwing on third-and-4 from the Lions 38 during the second series. That drive ended with McPherson’s 56-yard field goal.

Defensive tackles Dexter Lawrence and Jonathan Allen both played three snaps. The Bengals traded their first-round pick to the Giants to get Lawrence, while Allen signed during free agency after playing for the Vikings last season.

“They were going to play less than anybody else,” Taylor said. “The fans have been excited about a lot of the new acquisitions we’ve had, and so I wanted them to have a chance to see that huddle break and those guys go out there.”

Dobbs proves to be a quick study

Detroit quarterback Joshua Dobbs, signed as a free agent on Monday, led the Lions to field goals on two of his three series. The 10-year veteran completed 4 of 8 passes for 32 yards.

Injuries

Lions backup cornerback Ennis Rakestraw suffered an arm contusion during the second quarter and did not return. Defensive lineman Mekhi Wingo is in the concussion protocol.

Up next

Lions: Host Washington on Aug. 22.

Bengals: Host Chicago on Aug. 22.

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