Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

NFL Preseason 2025–26 – Top Rookies To Watch Out for in the Lions vs Chargers NFL Preseason Opener!

The Hall of Fame game will provide a good test for this year's rookies

Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The NFL’s 2025 preseason is all set to start tonight when the Detroit Lions take on the Los Angeles Chargers in the traditional Hall of Fame game. The game will be played at Canton, Ohio, with the kick-off being scheduled for 8:00 PM ET.

Both the Chargers and the Lions will have an additional preseason game, as they are scheduled to play a full slate of three more games, like the remaining teams. This game will give the deep backups and fringe roster players to impress the coaching staff, with most of the veteran starters expected to warm the bench.

For the first time in 172 days, THE NFL IS BACK 🙌

The Pro Football Hall of Fame Game means the 2025 season is officially underway 🔥 pic.twitter.com/qxVRMscBs9
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) July 31, 2025

Who Are the Top Rookies To Watch in the Lions vs Chargers Game Tonight?

Generally, most rookies get a chance to play in the preseason, as that can help them understand the system and come to terms with the level of competition at this stage. The Lions drafted 7 players in the 2025 NFL draft, while the Chargers drafted 9. Of those, here are some of the top rookies to keep an eye out for.

Isaac TeSlaa – Wide Receiver (Detroit Lions)

Isaac TeSlaa has been quite impressive in training camp. He was drafted by the Lions in the third round after they moved up to get him. If he looks sharp in the preseason, he could prove to be a pivotal player for the Lions post the month of August.

Isaac TeSlaa is a name to watch for 2025 👀

– Lions TRADED UP to draft him
– Fantastic Athlete – 9.93 RAS
– Shows great catches/big plays on film

It seems like the #Lions WANT to use TeSlaa in a big role ASAP 💎https://t.co/OQhcrFz0hV
— TWSN (@TWSN___) July 26, 2025

Oronde Gadsden – Tight End (Los Angeles Chargers)

Tight end Oronde Gadsden was selected by the Chargers in the fifth round, but he has been turning heads, especially as a pass catcher, having developed a good connection with Justin Herbert. In training camp, he has also stepped up his blocking game.

Kyle Kennard – Linebacker (Los Angeles Chargers)

Linebacker Kyle Kennard is expected to be a solid rotational player for the team during the upcoming season. Should he get the chance to play tonight, a good showing will be encouraging signs for the Chargers’ second line of defense.

Nikko Reed – Cornerback (Los Angeles Chargers)

Reed went undrafted during the draft this year, but, without a doubt, he has been one of the better players on the team. Currently a third-string corner on the Chargers’ depth chart, Reed’s 2 interceptions, including a pick-six and ample pass breakups in training camp, show plenty of promise.

Which Rookies Are Expected To Play for the Lions?

Lions’ head coach Dan Campbell has confirmed that Detroit’s first and second-round selections, i.e., defensive tackle Tyleik Williams and guard Tate Ratledge, will not feature in the game.

Moreover, another rookie guard, Miles Frazier, has been ruled out due to a knee injury. Thus, the Lions have four rookies who could make appearances in tonight’s game.

Isaac TeSlaa – wide receiver
Dominic Lovett – wide receiver
Ahmed Hassanein – defensive end
Dan Jackson – safety

Dan Campbell said Lions rookie wide receivers Dominic Lovett and Isaac TeSlaa are doing really well mentally, and they're both impressing.

"Lovett has popped more early on the field, but TeSlaa had a really good day yesterday," he said. pic.twitter.com/85UPMXLDSD
— Brad Galli (@BradGalli) July 26, 2025

Which Rookies Are Expected To Play for the Chargers?

There is no update from Chargers’ head coach Jim Harbaugh on which of their rookies will sit out the game. However, there is a good chance that running back Omarion Hampton and wide receiver Tre Harris may not feature. The Chargers have seven rookies who may make an appearance in the game.

Jamaree Caldwell – defensive tackle
Kyle Kennard – linebacker
KeAndre Lambert-Smith – wide receiver
Oronde Gadsden II – tight end
Branson Taylor – left tackle
R. J. Mickens – safety
Trikweze Bridges – cornerback

The NFL’s Hall of Fame game is a special game that is played to honor the newest members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. And while most of the focus will remain on the special event dedicated to the former greats of the game, the Lions and Chargers will take this opportunity to get extra practice under their belts. It will also give the teams a better idea of how their rookies are progressing.

Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

2025 NFL Hall of Fame Game

Detroit Lions vs Los Angeles Chargers

NFL

Devavrat Kulkarni

nfl

I am a content writer for the NFL team, and joined The Playoffs after working with Sportskeeda and NFL Analysis as an NFL writer. After starting my professional career as a French-to-English translator, working as a content writer is a new adventure for me. I started out in the sports media field for two main reasons: my love for sports in general, especially the NFL, NBA, and Tennis, as well as my passion for writing. The best part of this job is that I get to write a variety of pieces with the freedom to explore content from various angles. It also enables me to stay up to date with the sporting world, which otherwise can be difficult to do in the day-to-day grind. In a world full of chaos, sports unite and entertain like nothing else!