DETROIT — Veteran cornerback Rashean Mathis will not play in the Lions preseason opener tonight against the N.Y. Jets at Ford Field.


Mathis has been practicing. It’s unknown if he’s injured. He could be sitting out just because he’s a veteran and the Lions want to give the younger corners a chance.


Nevin Lawson, entering his second season, will start in his place.


Other inactives for the Lions include Joique Bell, LaAdrian Waddle, Jason Jones and Haloti Ngata. The four of them are coming off injuries and have not participated in training camp.

Ryan Broyles, who did not practice on Monday or Tuesday with an undisclosed injury, is active. He said on Tuesday he would play.

According to the game notes, no surprises among the starters. Manny Ramirez will start at left guard, Cornelius Lucas at right tackle.



Inactives for the Jets: Geno Smith, T.J. Graham, Chris Owusu, Dee Milliner, Curtis Brown, Steve Maneri, Devin Smith and Muhammad Wilkerson. Ryan Fitzpatrick will start at quarterback.