The Detroit Lions wrapped up their preseason with a solid 25-16 win over the Indianapolis Colts, but for some guys, that final whistle was less about the score and way more about their future with the team. Forget the initial 53-man roster for a sec; for a lot of players buried on the depth chart, this finale was all about snagging a practice squad spot. It’s a huge chance to gain experience, get familiar with the system, and maybe, just maybe, become a contributor next season. So, who balled out enough to make a real push before those brutal roster cuts hit?
Jackson’s Explosive Play: A Practice Squad Steal?
Talk about making an impact when it counts! Wide receiver Lucky Jackson absolutely showed up in this finale. The wideout depth chart has been wide open behind the top four of Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, Isaac TeSlaa, and Greg Dortch all preseason, but no one really broke out. Jackson, though? He absolutely came up with an impressive five catches for 94 yards, leading the team and flashing some serious explosiveness with stellar hands. Dude was making plays all over the field!
Sure, there was one miscommunication that led to Luke Altmyer’s interception, which kinda stinks. And yeah, he’s still a longshot for the initial 53-man roster because that WR5 spot often comes down to special teams, and Jackson doesn’t really shine as a returner or in coverage. But seriously, his tape from this game screams “practice squad.” None of Dominic Lovett, Tarik Black, Tom Kennedy, or Malik Cunningham have put up anything close to that receiving impact. If there’s an injury on offense, Jackson looks like he could offer some modest production, making him a smart guy to keep around.
Ogbongbemiga’s Quiet Consistency and Veteran Value
Then there’s linebacker Amen Ogbongbemiga. This guy has been quietly grinding, repping behind Trevor Nowaske, Joe Bachie, and Troy Reeder, but he’s been consistently solid through the entire preseason. He might be a smaller linebacker, listed at 6-foot-0 and 231 pounds, but he’s flashed both coverage ability and power when blitzing. His calling card since he got into the NFL has consistently been special teams, and that hasn’t changed here. For a team that values special teams depth, Ogbongbemiga fits the bill perfectly.
He’s still on the outside looking in for the initial roster, given that Nowaske, Bachie, and Reeder have consistently seen the field before him. But his preseason tape definitely makes a strong case for the practice squad. What makes him even more valuable? His versatility. He can play almost any linebacker position, and as a vested veteran, he wouldn’t even be subject to waivers if he got cut. That’s a huge advantage for keeping experienced talent close by.
Now the waiting game begins. Roster cuts are coming, and you know it’s going to be brutal. But for players like Jackson and Ogbongbemiga, they definitely laid down some strong arguments for sticking with the squad, even if it’s not the initial 53. Here’s hoping we see them back on the field, building up for next year!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pride of Detroit.
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