Both the Detroit Lions and Pittsburgh Steelers will have something to prove in Saturday’s final preseason matchup in Week 3.
The Lions lost their first preseason game against the New York Giants in a disappointing 14-3 loss, but they squeaked by the defending champs last week in a 24-23 win vs. Kansas City. The Steelers are coming off a 9-3 defeat against the Buffalo Bills and will likely be playing both quarterbacks in the preseason finale.
Who Are the Lions-Steelers Announcers Tonight?
- Start time: Saturday, Aug. 24, 2024, 1 p.m. ET
- Channel: NFL Network
- Live stream options: NFL App, NFL+, Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV
- Announcers: Bob Pompeani (play-by-play), Charlie Batch (color analyst), Missi Matthews (sideline reporter)
- Radio stations: WDVE 102.5 FM, 97.1 The Ticket
- Betting lines:
- Spread: PIT -7
- Total: 35
- Moneyline: PIT -310, DET +250
Both teams have experienced some unfortunate injuries throughout the preseason games. Nothing will make the players miss the regular season except Pittsburgh’s Nate Herbig, who has a torn rotator cuff. Lions linebacker Malik Jefferson and wideout Tre’Quan Smith both faced serious injuries during preseason games and will miss some time.
Despite a few injuries, the Lions have done a good job protecting their players and will enter the regular season with a largely healthy roster. For the Steelers, on top of the Herbig injury, a few other players are currently questionable for Week 1, including running back Jaylen Warren and rookie first-round tackle Troy Fautanu.
The Lions’ backup QB battle between Hendon Hooker and Nate Sudfeld will be reaching its conclusion, and the outcome will shape the team’s depth chart for the season.
The Lions drafted Hooker in the third round during the 2023 NFL Draft. Since then, the former Tennessee star has been exuding potential and will get a final chance to prove his ability ahead of the regular season.
On the other hand, Nate Sudfeld brings veteran experience to the table. Sudfeld’s solid track record and steady play make him a reliable option if Goff were to miss time. Hooker will have to bring his A-game on the field on Saturday to secure the backup quarterback spot for himself.
2024 Preseason Stats Leaders
- QB:
- Steelers: Kyle Allen, 17 cmp/23 att, 193 yards, one TD, one INT
- Lions: Nate Sudfeld, 27 cmp/51 att, 292 yards, one TD, two INTs
- RB:
- Steelers: Justin Fields, 11 carries, 44 yards
- Lions: Sione Vaki, 10 carries, 51 yards
- WR:
- Steelers: Dez Fitzpatrick, three rec/three targets, 66 yards
- Lions: Isaiah Williams, 10 rec/12 targets, 106 yards