In years past, the Lions' starters on both sides of the ball have gotten little or no work in exhibition games. Traditionally, the Lions have hosted joint practices with opposing teams across the league leading up to a preseason game. Because the Bengals are playing their starters, the Lions could view Thursday's game as an opportunity to get some "good on good" work for their starters against the Bengals' counterparts. There are inherent risks that come with playing starters in the preseason, with the primary one being injury. It was a sluggish performance all around, and getting some preseason work in could help avoid some of these early setbacks.