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If you’re planning to tune into Friday’s contest between the Indianapolis Colts and Detroit Lions to see what either team will look like in 2021, you are likely going to be disappointed.
Colts head coach Chris Ballard addressed the Indianapolis media on Wednesday morning and admitted that both teams are now planning to rest their starters after having a conversation with Lions head coach Dan Campbell.
Frank Reich confirms Jacob Eason will start the preseason finale Friday night. After coordinating with #Lions Coach Dan Campbell, Reich will not play most of his starters.
— Charlie Clifford (@cliffWISH8) August 25, 2021
Detroit isn’t playing any of its starters, which swayed the #Colts decision. @WISH_TV
For the Lions, this is a development we knew already. Last week, Campbell said he was considering resting some of his veteran starters not only for last week’s preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers but for the remainder of the exhibition season. He followed through with that consideration by resting Jared Goff, Kalif Raymond, Taylor Decker, Frank Ragnow, D’Andre Swift, Trey Flowers, T.J. Hockenson, and Romeo Okwara among many others.
So it appears the preseason finale—this Friday at 7 p.m. ET—will feature reserves and backups looking to fight for one of the final roster spots available to them.