Lions will have two joint practices with Steelers

For the first time since 2000, the Lions will practice with another NFL team during training camp this summer.

Before the Lions open the preseason schedule at Heinz Field on Aug. 12, they’ll spent two days practicing with the Steelers at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, Pa., which is about 40 miles east of Pittsburgh.

The Lions last held joint practice with the Carolina Panthers in 2000 at Wofford College in Spartanburg, S.C. The Panthers also came to Michigan in 1998 to join the Lions briefly at Saginaw Valley State, according to the Lions.

The addition of joint practices is likely a decision from new Lions general manager Bob Quinn. His former team, the New England Patriots, has held joint practices in all but one training camp since 2010, abstaining in 2011 following the lockout.

The Patriots practiced with two teams in 2013 (Philadelphia and Tampa Bay) and 2014 (Philadelphia and Washington). New England’s joint practices since 2010 were against one of their first two exhibition opponents, or both.

The Lions begin organized team activities Tuesday and have 10 practices over the next three weeks. Mandatory minicamp immediately follows OTAs, and then the team will have a break before training camp starts this summer.

LIONS PRESEASON SCHEDULE

Fri., Aug. 12, at Pittsburgh, 7 p.m.

Thu., Aug. 18, Cincinnati, 7:30 p.m.

Sat., Aug. 27, at Baltimore, 7 p.m.

Thu., Sept. 1, Buffalo, 7:30 p.m.