Pride of Detroit
The Detroit Lions’ fourth and final preseason game of the 2025 season is in the books, and it’s time to check back in on the players who helped or hurt their stock against the Houston Texans.
For injury or rest purposes, the Lions did not play 35 players in this preseason game of the 2025 season, with another six still sitting out due to being on an injury list (PUP/NFI).
Let’s take a quick look at an overview of the roster with our game day depth chart, noting that the players without a position color did not play in this game. Additionally, if a player’s name is written in red, they came into the game with an injury, but if they were injured in the game, their name is boxed in red.
Note: Players with an asterisk (*) are rookies
A second perfect preseason game from Allen has essentially won him the QB2 job.
“I thought Kyle did a good job again, this is three games in a row, and practice too, you can’t ever forget about these practices,” Lions coach Dan Campbell said following the game. “You got some errors in that Chargers game to start the season out, and really from there he’s just gotten better and better and better. Today was just evidence again of him really stepping up. I thought he did a good job. […] It’s good to see Kyle really take it to where he’s gone. Feel very comfortable with him.”
For Hooker, it was another disappointing game, lowlighted by five non-scoring drives and another that ended with a turnover. Campbell didn’t mince words in his post-game presser.
**“**How much development do you believe there still is? Sometimes does the player need a change of scenery? What about our own depth in other areas?” Campbell asked. “Look, I wish Hooker—and I know he does—would’ve had a better outing, […] I thought he was prepared. I thought he was ready. Looked pretty calm, just circumstances didn’t work out today.”
Not many surprises with the running backs group. Reynolds looked like RB3, and Saylors is the likely leading candidate for the practice squad.
TeSlaa did a walk-off-worm after catching a gorgeous 33-yard touchdown pass from Allen. The duo called it a day after that, and rightfully so.
I was really hoping for a showdown between Lovett and Meeks in their battle for WR6, but with Hooker’s struggles, both were blanked on the score sheet. Special teams didn’t help separate them much...
