For about 30 seconds Thursday night one of the starting units that will play a major role in determining whether the Lions can make a repeat playoff appearance and challenge the defending champion Packers for first place in the NFC North was on the field at Ford Field.
It was a cameo appearance by the 11 starters on defense, who ran through the tunnel and onto the field as they were introduced to the crowd before the final preseason game against the Buffalo Bills.
After that, the game was handed over mostly to backups on both sides of the ball, except for starting linebacker Tahir Whitehead, who got extended playing time.