Detroit Lions Roster Spots Still Up for Grabs Going into Preseason Finale Saturday
As the clock ticks down to August 27, the Detroit Lions still have critical decisions to make regarding their roster. With the final preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday, at least five or six roster spots remain unclaimed, according to head coach Dan Campbell.
Coach Campbell emphasized the imperative for remaining hopefuls to prove their worth. “I told the team this morning — for a number of those guys — that there’s still open spots here so if you want it, go get it,” he stated on Tuesday.
The battle for the No. 2 quarterback position is particularly intriguing. Nate Sudfeld and Hendon Hooker are vying for the spot, with Sudfeld starting the first two preseason games. Campbell expects Hooker to start on Saturday, offering him a significant opportunity to make his case. “Certainly we want to get him a real good look, we’d love to get him a lot of reps this week,” Campbell said. “We’d love to start him this week and then it’s a matter of how much does he play.” Hooker took the No. 2 reps in Tuesday’s practice.
Wide receivers Daurice Fountain, Donovan Peoples-Jones, rookie Isaiah Williams, and Kaden Davis are all in the hunt for what might be the fourth and fifth spots in their position. Running back Sione Vaki, a fourth-round draft pick, seems to have solidified his place by showcasing his skills against the Kansas City Chiefs, where he had 10 touches for 82 yards. “Feel the growth from him,” Campbell noted about Vaki’s performance.
The kicking game appears set with Jake Bates, who made four field goals, including a 43-yard game-winner, solidifying his role. His only miss came on an extra-point attempt.
On the defensive side, undrafted rookie Isaac Ukwu has made a strong case for himself with a sack in each of the first two preseason games. “When (Ukwu) got here this spring he was last on the depth chart… He’s steadily gotten better and better and better,” Campbell said. Ukwu’s continual improvement portrays the essence of an underdog story, with the player proving his worth at every given opportunity.
Injury updates also play a crucial part in the Lions’ roster decisions. Running back Jahmyr Gibbs (hamstring) and rookie CB Terrion Arnold (pec) are expected to return to practice next week, trending in the right direction, according to Campbell. Other players like OL Dan Skipper, TE Sam LaPorta, G Kevin Zeitler, and LB Malcolm Rodriguez are also expected to return from injury in the upcoming week.
As the Lions prepare for their final preseason clash, all eyes will be on those players still fighting for their place on the team.
