Pride of Detroit
Friday’s preseason game against the Atlanta Falcons is going to be drastically important for several Detroit Lions players. We’re at about the halfway point of training camp and the preseason, which means time is running out for the roster bubble players on offense and defense to make their best cases for the 53-man roster. And while the Lions’ roster is good enough to probably have the first 45 spots likely already claimed, the last 8-10 roster spots should very much still be considered up for grabs.
So today’s Question of the Day is:
My answer: The easy answer is Hendon Hooker, who will get his first opportunity to start—and therefore play with the second-team offense. But we tend to hyperfocus on the backup quarterback job during the preseason, so I want to talk about two other players who have a lot at stake on Friday.
The first is Ian Kennelly. Thus far, he’s made a strong case to keep Detroit’s streak of having an undrafted rookie make the initial 53-man roster alive. The Grand Valley State product has a ton of athleticism, plays with the kind of physicality that fits this team’s identity, and has made enough plays at camp to catch the naked eye. And with rookie safety Dan Jackson now on injured reserve, there is likely an open spot on the roster for the fourth safety position. It’s just as big of a game for his competitors—Loren Strickland and Morice Norris—but based on the current order of reps, Kennelly is likely the furthest away from making the team right now. But he remains in striking distance.
I also think this is a big game for Colby Sorsdal. Last preseason game, I though Sorsdal was one of the best players on the field as Detroit’s right guard in the final half of the game. Unfortunately for him, that hasn’t moved him beyond the third-team offense in practice, but if he can show a level of consistency from game to game this preseason, it’s entirely possible coaches give him a promotion for the back half of training camp. The complication for Sorsdal is that he may be forced into playing tackle this preseason game. Heading into Friday, it appears Detroit’s only healthy offensive tackles are Penei Sewell, Giovanni Manu, Mason Miller, and Justin Herron. With zero chance of Sewell playing, that leaves just three healthy tackles. So either one of those players will play the entire game, or Sorsdal will have to fill in.
Regardless, it’s an opportunity for Sorsdal to highlight his value. Whether it’s week-to-week consistency or flashing the versatility of being able to play tackle and guard—something that can’t really be said about anyone else on the roster right now—Friday’s game is massive for Sorsdal.
Which Lions do you believe face big stakes on Friday? Scroll down to the comment section and share your answers.
