The Detroit Lions just wrapped up their longest preseason in years. Unlike the usual quick three-game slate since 2021, this season included four games, starting training camp in early July. Now, as the Lions transition into the regular season, they face critical decisions.
With roster cuts looming—each NFL team must trim their team to 53 players by August 26—many players have much riding on their performances. Unfortunately for the Lions, their last preseason game ended in a disappointing 26-7 loss to the Texans.
One bright spot was quarterback Kyle Allen. He played well, completing all five of his passes for 66 yards and throwing a touchdown to rookie wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa. Allen’s smart decision-making likely secured him the backup quarterback role over Hendon Hooker.
TeSlaa continues to impress. With only two catches for 41 yards in this game, he’s already racked up preseason stats of 10 catches for 146 yards and three touchdowns. His rapid improvement suggests he could become a key player in the Lions’ offense.
However, not everyone shined. The Lions’ secondary struggled significantly, giving up 249 yards and two touchdowns. Erick Hallett had a particularly rough day, struggling in both coverage and run defense. His performance puts his place on the roster in jeopardy.
The team’s defensive line also faced challenges, managing just one sack against the Texans. With injuries affecting multiple players, the Lions might need to consider bolstering their defensive depth before the season starts.
Hendon Hooker faced high stakes in this game but fell short. His completion rate was low, and he threw an interception. While he showcased some speed with a 25-yard run, he missed numerous passing opportunities, leading to questions about his future with the team.
Another hot competition was between wide receivers Dominic Lovett and Jackson Meeks. Neither performed well, failing to make any catches. Their missed chances in the game make the decision on who to keep even tougher for the coaches.
As the Lions prepare for the regular season, they’ll need to assess their strengths and weaknesses carefully. Although the season always brings uncertainty, one thing is clear: The decisions made in the next few days will have lasting impacts.
For more details on the roster cuts and player performances, check out the NFL’s official updates here.
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