Five Matchups to Watch in Lions-Texans Joint Practice

The Detroit Lions will have another opportunity to square off with an opponent in a practice setting on Thursday.

After taking on the Miami Dolphins in a pair of joint practices last week, the Lions will welcome the Houston Texans to their Allen Park practice facility for one day of work prior to their Saturday preseason game.

A playoff team a year ago, the Texans will be a good test for a Lions team that by many accounts dominated the Dolphins last week.

Here are five matchups to watch when the Lions take on the Houston Texans in joint practices Thursday.

Lions OT Penei Sewell vs Texans EDGE Will Anderson Jr.

One of the most intriguing matchups will be a battle of former top picks who have had strong starts to their respective careers. Sewell has quickly emerged as one of the league's best tackles, while Anderson has been solid coming off the edge for the Texans.

This matchup has legitimate star power, and should be a good test for both players. Anderson is a long and rangy athletic defender, and Sewell is a sturdy and agile blocker. This should wind up being one of the best matchups between the two sides.

Texans WRs Nico Collins and Christian Kirk vs. Lions CBs D.J. Reed and Terrion Arnold

The Lions' secondary didn't see star wideout Tyreek Hill when they took on the Dolphins in joint practices, but should have a good test with the Texans' wideouts coming to town. In particular, Collins is a big and physical wideout who will be a tough matchup for Reed and Arnold.

There's plenty of optimism surrounding the Lions' secondary in 2025, and matching up with Collins and Kirk should provide a good look at where they stand at the position. Depth is a concern at cornerback at this stage, and as a result there will be pressure on the top two to succeed.

Reed has been impressive throughout camp, and Arnold has been solid in his opportunities while battling injury. Plenty should be learned about both in their matchups with a pair of big-bodied wideouts.