Lions Drop 16-14 Preseason Opener to Bengals After Late 80-Yard Rally

3 articles · Updated · detroitlions.com · Aug 14

Detroit erased a 16-6 deficit late, but Luke Altmyer’s 24-yard touchdown pass to Tarik Black and his two-point run only cut Cincinnati’s lead to two before the Bengals recovered the onside kick.
Altmyer finished 13-of-22 for 130 yards with one touchdown, two interceptions and a lost fumble, while Detroit lost the turnover battle 3-1 and went 4-for-11 on third down.
Ahmed Hassanein gave Detroit’s mostly reserve lineup a defensive spark against Cincinnati’s early starters, posting four tackles, two sacks and a forced fumble, including a sack of Joe Burrow.
Jake Bates hit field goals from 41 and 52 yards, Jacob Saylors added 55 rushing yards and 28 receiving yards, and Detroit still outgained Cincinnati 274-256 despite the loss.
The opener also brought injury concerns as cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr. and defensive lineman Mekhi Wingo both left and did not return before Detroit hosts Washington on Aug. 22.