It appears the Detroit Lions will have not one, but two collaborative practice sessions this preseason.
According to Jonathan Alexander of the Houston Chronicle, the Houston Texans are in the final stages of arranging a shared workout with the Lions ahead of both teams’ preseason finale on Aug. 23 at Ford Field.
Texans coach DeMeco Ryans confirmed the news during a press conference with local reporters on Wednesday. Per Ryans, it will be one joint session between the two teams.
This would give both teams two such sessions, as the Texans are already set to train with the Carolina Panthers before their Aug. 16 matchup, while the Lions will host the Miami Dolphins for a similar workout, also on Aug. 16 at Ford Field.
“I’m excited to go against the Panthers (and) I’m excited to go against the Lions, two head coaches who I respect a lot,” Ryans said. “Dave (Canales), he’s done a great job there, so I’m excited to see him. I think they’re on the rise. They’ve done a really good job with what he has there so far, so I’m excited to see that team come in.
“And we know what the Lions are about. Coach (Dan) Campbell and his energy, his spirit as a head coach, is second to none. So I’m excited to work with both guys. I think we can gain a lot out of both practices.”
This also marks the return of joint sessions to the Lions’ Allen Park facility. Last year, Detroit’s shared practices with the New York Giants took place on the road.
The Lions and Texans squared off last season in a Sunday Night Football thriller, with Detroit pulling off a 26-23 comeback victory after Houston native Jake Bates kicked a game-winning 52-yard walk-off field goal.
On Wednesday, the Lions continued their offseason program with the first day of organized team activities (OTAs), which kicked off at their headquarters in Allen Park.