We’re already close to the midway level of coaching camp and the preseason for the 2025 Detroit Lions. Which means time is working out for Lions reserve gamers to flash their potential to coaches to be able to justify their spot on the 53-man roster.
Nevertheless, there are nonetheless a number of positions that stay broad open. Accidents have created new vacancies, camp battles have been nearer than anticipated, and with three extra preseason video games to go, alternatives are plentiful for hopeful gamers throughout the roster.
In order the Lions put together for Friday night time’s sport in opposition to the Atlanta Falcons, listed here are six place battles that stay broad open—one thing to regulate whereas watching.
The contenders: Hendon Hooker, Kyle Allen
After a particularly disappointing efficiency from each gamers, the backup quarterback job stays as open as ever. The largest alternative right here is for Hendon Hooker, who will get the beginning after Kyle Allen had his probability final week. Allen was far more efficient at shifting the offense down the sector, however his two interceptions sank his night time. Hooker, then again, gave his personal play a 0 out of 10, and it’s exhausting to argue. Even a deep dive of his play revealed a number of psychological and bodily errors. Might a promotion to the second staff kickstart Hooker’s play?
The contenders: Shane Zylstra, Kenny Yeboah, Zach Horton
I assumed all three tight ends performed notably nicely within the preseason opener, giving this camp battle some severe juice. Whereas Zylstra probably stays essentially the most well-balanced between the three, Yeboah appeared nice as a blocker in opposition to the Chargers, and Horton’s versatility to play successfully as a fullback offers him a novel edge over the opposite two.
The contenders: Kingsley Eguakun, Trystan Colon, Michael Niese
There was a three-man rotation between these contenders with the second-team offense in coaching camp. It appeared Eguakun had taken the early lead, beginning the Corridor of Fame Sport final week. Nevertheless, he struggled, whereas Trystan Colon supplied some regular play within the second half. Niese has seen elevated appears at guard lately, so it’s unclear if he’s nonetheless within the competitors. It’s exhausting to know the place issues stand between these three, so Friday night time’s sport may present some readability.
The contenders: Mitchell Agude, Nate Lynn, Isaac Ukwu
At this level, it’s most likely protected to imagine that Aidan Hutchinson, Marcus Davenport, Al-Quadin Muhammad, and Ahmed Hassanein are protected. Whereas many eyes will likely be on the thrilling Hassanein, it’s important to surprise if there’s a spot out there for the reserves right here. It’s unclear if Josh Paschal will likely be prepared for the season, and Za’Darius Smith stays unsigned—although the Lions are conserving in contact.
So that might depart a spot for one of many above reserves, and a few these gamers have made robust impressions within the preseason earlier than. Lynn was energetic and disruptive within the preseason opener, and even received a short shoutout from Brad Holmes on the radio this week, so he’s a participant to regulate vs. the Falcons.
The contenders: Dicaprio Bootle, Nick Whiteside, Erick Hallett, Tyson Russell, D.J. Miller, Luq Barcoo
With the unlucky information of Ennis Rakestraw’s season-ending shoulder surgical procedure, there’s abruptly a giant alternative in Detroit’s cornerback room. Whereas D.J. Reed, Terrion Arnold, Amik Robertson, and Rock Ya-Sin are probably thought-about the highest 4 outdoors cornerback choices, Detroit may use some dependable depth right here. There are six contenders, although, 5 have been added up to now month (Hallett was on Detroit’s follow squad final season), and none have notably stood out but. Friday night time is a large alternative for all six to make an impression, and with the Falcons resting their high two quarterbacks, it might be an incredible probability to make some massive performs.
The contenders: Loren Strickland, Morice Norris, Ian Kennelly
With Dan Jackson now on injured reserve, there’s an open spot on the roster behind Detroit’s high three safeties. All three of those contenders have made sporadic performs in each the preseason and coaching camp. Strickland and Norris have a slight edge, having been with the staff for a full 12 months, however Kennelly has been the flashier of the three up to now few weeks.
