We’re already near the halfway point of training camp and the preseason for the 2025 Detroit Lions. That means time is running out for Lions reserve players to flash their potential to coaches in order to justify their spot on the 53-man roster.
However, there are still several positions that remain wide open. Injuries have created new vacancies, camp battles have been closer than expected, and with three more preseason games to go, opportunities are abundant for hopeful players across the roster.
So as the Lions prepare for Friday night’s game against the Atlanta Falcons, here are six position battles that remain wide open—something to keep an eye on while watching.
Backup quarterback
The contenders: Hendon Hooker, Kyle Allen
After an extremely disappointing performance from both players, the backup quarterback job remains as open as ever. The biggest opportunity here is for Hendon Hooker, who will get the start after Kyle Allen had his chance last week. Allen was much more effective at moving the offense down the field, but his two interceptions sank his night. Hooker, on the other hand, gave his own play a 0 out of 10, and it’s hard to argue. Even a deep dive of his play revealed several mental and physical mistakes. Could a promotion to the second team kickstart Hooker’s play?
Tight end 3
The contenders: Shane Zylstra, Kenny Yeboah, Zach Horton
I thought all three tight ends played particularly well in the preseason opener, giving this camp battle some serious juice. While Zylstra likely remains the most well-balanced between the three, Yeboah looked great as a blocker against the Chargers, and Horton’s versatility to play effectively as a fullback gives him a unique edge over the other two.
Backup center
The contenders: Kingsley Eguakun, Trystan Colon, Michael Niese
There has been a three-man rotation between these contenders with the second-team offense in training camp. It appeared Eguakun had taken the early lead, starting the Hall of Fame Game last week. However, he struggled, while Trystan Colon offered some steady play in the second half. Niese has seen increased looks at guard recently, so it’s unclear if he’s still in the competition. It’s hard to know where things stand between these three, so Friday night’s game could provide some clarity.
EDGE 5
The contenders: Mitchell Agude, Nate Lynn, Isaac Ukwu
At this point, it’s probably safe to assume that Aidan Hutchinson, Marcus Davenport, Al-Quadin Muhammad, and Ahmed Hassanein are safe. While many eyes will be on the exciting Hassanein, you have to wonder if there is a spot available for the reserves here. It’s unclear if Josh Paschal will be ready for the season, and Za’Darius Smith remains unsigned—though the Lions are keeping in touch.
So that could leave a spot for one of the above reserves, and a couple of those players have made strong impressions in the preseason before. Lynn was active and disruptive in the preseason opener, and even got a brief shoutout from Brad Holmes on the radio this week, so he’s a player to keep an eye on vs. the Falcons.
Cornerback 5
The contenders: Dicaprio Bootle, Nick Whiteside, Erick Hallett, Tyson Russell, D.J. Miller, Luq Barcoo
With the unfortunate news of Ennis Rakestraw’s season-ending shoulder surgery, there is suddenly a big opportunity in Detroit’s cornerback room. While D.J. Reed, Terrion Arnold, Amik Robertson, and Rock Ya-Sin are likely considered the top four outside cornerback options, Detroit could use some reliable depth here. There are six contenders, though, five were added in the past month (Hallett was on Detroit’s practice squad last season), and none have particularly stood out yet. Friday night is a huge opportunity for all six to make an impression, and with the Falcons resting their top two quarterbacks, it could be a great chance to make some big plays.
Safety 4
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 top three safeties. All three of these contenders have made sporadic plays in both the preseason and training camp. Strickland and Norris have a slight edge, having been with the team for a full year, but Kennelly has been the flashier of the three in the past few weeks.
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