Story perspectives

Commanders Fall 17-13 to Lions in Preseason

8/24/2026

Summary

Commanders Lose

Washington Commanders lost 17-13 to Detroit Lions in a preseason game.
Quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis completed 11 of 14 passes for 162 yards and a 114.9 rating.
Defensive end Maurice Hurst II recorded two sacks for Washington.
Safety Amik Robertson forced a fumble that led to a Washington touchdown.
Defensive end DJ Wonnum sacked the Commanders.

Summary

Holmes Sets Roster

Brad Holmes must set Detroit’s 53-man roster by 6 p.m. after the Colts preseason finale.
Skyler Gill-Howard’s sack with D.J. Wonnum was nullified by a penalty.
Jackson Meeks caught four passes, including a fourth-down conversion.
Rock Ya-Sin and Ennis Rakestraw Jr. lead the race for Terrion Arnold’s cornerback spot.
Miles Frazier’s penalties and pass-protection struggles keep his roster spot uncertain.

History

Historical Context

The 1970 NFL–AFL merger, finalized in June 1970, unified two leagues and instituted a standardized 53-player regular-season roster. That agreement forced the newly formed Washington Redskins, Detroit Lions, and Indianapolis Colts to trim preseason squads, each shedding an average of 30 players for $1.5 million salary caps. Today's preseason cuts echo that legacy as Brad Holmes finalizes Detroit’s 53-man roster while Washington’s Athan Kaliakmanis and D.J. Wonnum battle for spots. The merger’s roster discipline continues shaping team strategies, ensuring competitive balance and prompting franchises to evaluate talent through preseason performances.

1 of 3

Commanders Lose

Washington Commanders lost 17-13 to Detroit Lions in a preseason game.
Quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis completed 11 of 14 passes for 162 yards and a 114.9 rating.
Defensive end Maurice Hurst II recorded two sacks for Washington.
Safety Amik Robertson forced a fumble that led to a Washington touchdown.
Defensive end DJ Wonnum sacked the Commanders.

1 / 3