Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell admitted he’s already made most of his tough roster decisions, even before the team hits the field for their preseason finale this Saturday at 1 p.m. ET. With the roster cuts deadline looming just a day later on Sunday at 6 p.m. ET, Campbell knows they need to have a pretty good idea where they’re at going into that game. There are only a few spots left, but at least a dozen players are still fighting for those coveted final spots.
Backup QB Battle: A Total Coin Flip
The backup quarterback job for the Lions has been wide open since Teddy Bridgewater surprisingly retired mid-training camp, and it’s still a toss-up. Josh Dobbs, the veteran, is battling it out with undrafted rookie Luke Altmyer. Altmyer has definitely turned heads, showing some serious flashes despite his rookie status. But you can’t count out the experience Dobbs brings to the table. Campbell himself has said this battle truly “could go either way,” making this final preseason game a must-watch for anyone wondering who’ll be backing up the starter this year.
The Receiver Room’s Wild West Show
The Lions look solid with their top four receivers: Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, Isaac TeSlaa, and Greg Dortch. But man, the competition for the fifth, and possibly sixth, spot is absolutely fierce. Tay Martin is looking like the front-runner, repping with the first and second teams, plus getting significant special teams snaps. That’s how you make a case for yourself, right? Don’t sleep on veteran Tom Kennedy either, though. He’s a versatile guy who can play multiple offensive roles and has added value as a top returner. On the other hand, Dominic Lovett faces an uphill battle; he fell out of the returner competition and has been inconsistent on offense. It’s a crowded room, and other guys like Lucky Jackson and Tarik Black are still in the mix.
Tight Ends, Linemen, and the Fight for Special Teams
Beyond the skill positions, there are other battles heating up. Jackson Meeks seems locked in as the team’s TE4, but he still needs to prove he’s worth keeping over an extra receiver, linebacker, corner, or defensive lineman. His athleticism, strength, and pure moxie could make him a good special teams player, and that’s likely where he’ll win his spot. On the offensive line, things are a little messy with injuries right now, throwing a wrench into some of their plans. Mason Miller is among those fighting for a spot in that complicated situation.
This Saturday’s game against the Indianapolis Colts isn’t just a preseason finale; it’s the last chance for these 16 players, and the 20+ guys vying for practice squad spots, to show Campbell and the coaching staff why they deserve a roster spot. Come Sunday at 6 p.m. ET, dreams will either be realized or put on hold.
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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