The Detroit Lions Podcast

The Detroit Lions built their 53 around an attacking defense and flexible offense. They kept waves of defensive linemen to stunt and overload, and they set a short-term interior offensive line and running back plan until injuries clear. Jacob Saylors is RB2 while Isaiah Pacheco is on IR for the first four games. What does the 53-man roster say about the Lions identity on defense?The Lions will attack with multiple fronts and pressure packages. As Scott Bischoff said, Detroit showed overloaded looks and disruptive stunts in the preseason, a clear shift from a static approach. Defensive end Aidan Hutchinson, Detroit Lions, headlines a deep edge group with edge rusher Derrick Moore, Detroit Lions, and interior disruptors like defensive tackle Alim McNeill, Detroit Lions, and defensive tackle Skyler Gill-Howard, Detroit Lions. Safety Chuck Clark, Detroit Lions, benefits from faster pressure, as do safety Avonte Maddox, Detroit Lions, safety Christian Izien, Detroit Lions, and cornerback Ennis Rakestraw, Detroit Lions. With linebacker Jack Campbell, Detroit Lions, plus linebackers Derrick Barnes, Detroit Lions, Malcolm Rodriguez, Detroit Lions, and Jimmy Rolder, Detroit Lions, Aaron Glenn can roll 4-2-5, five-man fronts, and creative mug looks to speed up quarterbacks. How will the offensive line function until Cade Mays returns?Center Juice Scruggs, Detroit Lions, starts for now, and the group will grow its chemistry week to week. Scott Bischoff emphasized the interior timing changes with different centers and how the run game timing will evolve, then stabilize when Cade Mays returns. The projected five: left tackle Penei Sewell, Detroit Lions, left guard Christian Mahogany, Detroit Lions, center Juice Scruggs, Detroit Lions, right guard Tate Ratledge, Detroit Lions, and right tackle Blake Miller, Detroit Lions. Depth includes center Seth McLaughlin, Detroit Lions, and swing tackle Larry Borom, Detroit Lions. Russell Brown noted the staff’s confidence in line coach Hank Fraley’s cross-training, with Scruggs and McLaughlin keeping protections functional until Mays is back. Who is RB2 and what happens while Isaiah Pacheco is on IR?Running back Jacob Saylors, Detroit Lions, is RB2 behind running back Jahmyr Gibbs, Detroit Lions, while running back Isaiah Pacheco, Detroit Lions, is on IR for the first four games. Russell Brown noted Dan Campbell has said he is comfortable with Saylors in that role. Russell Brown also questioned how running back Sione Vaki, Detroit Lions, will be used, since his preseason work skewed to special teams. Scott Bischoff floated a short-term depth addition if needed, especially for fourth-quarter carries in games where Detroit protects leads. How will Detroit balance a light WR room with tight ends?Detroit will flex tight ends to cover WR4/WR5 duties. As Scott Bischoff laid out, tight end Jackson Meeks, Detroit Lions, can split out as a de facto fifth receiver in 12 or 13 personnel, letting tight end Sam LaPorta, Detroit Lions, play a full combo role while tight end Brock Wright, Detroit Lions, handles more in-line work. Tight end Tyler Conklin, Detroit Lions, offers additional versatility. Wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, Detroit Lions, and wide receiver Jameson Williams, Detroit Lions, headline a lean WR group with wide receiver Tay Martin, Detroit Lions, rounding it out. The structure fits Detroit Lions Podcast recurring themes: multiple tight ends, motion, pin-and-pull, duo, and varied route families that keep the ball moving without needing six traditional wide receivers. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #jaredgoff #jahmyrgibbs #amon-rast.brown #samlaporta #peneisewell #jackcampbell #aidanhutchinson #brianbranch #kirbyjoseph #juicescruggs #tateratledge #blakemiller #chuckclark #avontemaddox #christianizien Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Daily DLP for Thursday, September 3rd is a meaty one. Lions GM Brad Holmes and Assistant VP Ray Agnew met with the media on Wednesday and brought up a number of topics worthy of discussion. From the Terrion Arnold timing and replacement plan, or lack thereof, to adding more juice to the defensive line with players like rookies Skyler Gill-Howard and Eric O'Neill, Holmes and Agnew handled questions about the roster constitution and the decisions behind the moves. Detroit also made some more roster moves, waiving Seth McLaughlin and Jabari Small days after each made the initial 53-man roster. Injuries to both affected the timing, and we explain why it just might be a savvy bit of roster gymnastics from the Lions that allows both to stay in the Den. We also break down who might be getting added to the 53-man roster and why Tom Kennedy deserves to be one of them. Plus, a quick breakdown of new practice squad OL Elijah Klein. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #sethmclaughlin #jabarismall #practicesquad #bradholmes #rayagnew #elijahklein #masonmiller #tateratledge #tomkennedy #dominiclovett Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Detroit Lions placed running back Isiah Pacheco on injured reserve, sidelining him for at least four weeks. Detroit also re-signed tight end Tyler Conklin to the 53-man roster, restoring depth at tight end without changing the offensive identity. These moves clarify early running back roles and the immediate return game plan. Why did the Detroit Lions put Isiah Pacheco on IR now?Because his back injury, coupled with a knee issue, requires a minimum four-week shutdown and the team planned for it. As Jeff Risdon noted, this explains why Detroit initially carried five running backs and then added Detroit Lions running back Jabari Small. Detroit Lions running back Jacob Saylors is the clear No. 2 after a strong preseason, benefitting from a full offseason to refresh after a full UFL workload last year. The staff can lean on Saylors while Small factors in as RB3/4 and on returns. Jeff Risdon also speculated the back issue could extend Isaiah Pacheco’s absence beyond four weeks, a nod to the challenges of practicing and playing through back pain. What does Tyler Conklin’s return mean for tight end usage?It adds proven depth and special teams flexibility, not a shift to a 13-personnel base. Detroit Lions tight end Tyler Conklin overlaps with Detroit Lions tight end Brock Wright’s TE2 profile, allowing the staff to deploy roles cleanly around Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta. Conklin’s presence lets the staff use the third tight end in more receiver-like and special teams roles, and Conklin may be inactive some weeks if special teams tilt roster math. Per Jeff Risdon, the Lions showed more 12 packages in camp but did not live in 13. Expect Drew Petzing and Mike Kafka to tailor groupings to their threats, not to a rigid template. Who returns kicks and punts in Week 1?Tom Kennedy is the expected punt returner and Jabari Small will get the first crack at kick returns. Detroit lacks a single locked-in answer, so they can elevate up to three practice-squad players to cover the roles. Jeff Risdon pointed to Tom Kennedy’s reliability on punts and Jabari Small’s fit on kicks. The door remains open for additional competition as game plans and health evolve. How did depth change on the offensive line and practice squad?Detroit added Detroit Lions offensive lineman Elijah Klein to the practice squad and brought back Detroit Lions slot receiver Dominic Lovett, while reinforcing tackle depth. Klein has over 400 snaps of NFL experience, can play multiple spots, and is best at left guard, aligning with Detroit Lions guard Christian Mahogany and Detroit Lions guard Ben Bartch. Detroit Lions right guard Tate Ratledge has the right guard job, working alongside rookie Detroit Lions right tackle Blake Miller and new Detroit Lions center Cade Mays. Detroit also remains bullish on developmental tackle Detroit Lions offensive tackle Devin Cochran. What about Eric Hunter?Linebacker Erick Hunter chose a 53-man roster spot with the New England Patriots instead of a Detroit practice-squad return. With Detroit Lions linebacker Devin White joining Detroit Lions linebacker Jack Campbell atop a deep room, Hunter pursued immediate snaps elsewhere, a path Jeff Risdon compared to the Trevor Nowaske precedent. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #isaiahpachecotoinjuredreserve #tylerconklinbackon53-manroster #jacobsaylorsasno.2runningback #jabarismallonkickreturns #tomkennedyhandlingpunts #more12personnellooks #noshiftto13personnelbase #samlaportafocaltightend #brockwrightte2role #elijahkleinaddedtopracticesquad Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Detroit Lions will lean on a fierce defensive line and Dan Campbell’s back-to-basics reset to cover a thin secondary in Week 1 at the New Orleans Saints. Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff is the roster’s oldest player at 31, the team is younger, and Jameson Williams is primed for a massive year, but RB2 remains unsettled. Did Dan Campbell’s reset make the Detroit Lions better right now?Yes, the focus shift worked. Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell cut the noise, scrapped joint practices, mixed select veterans into preseason snaps, and built one of the NFL’s youngest rosters. As Michael Grey noted, Jared Goff is the oldest Lion at 31, and the roster is young, hungry and healthy. Campbell emphasized 2022 and 2023 habits, eliminated the distraction of joint-practice fights, and refused to be held hostage by reputations. The result is a locked-in group headed to Week 1 in New Orleans. Can the defensive line save a depleted secondary?Yes, the front is built to drive the defense while the back end stabilizes. Detroit enters without a true nose tackle, instead loading up on twitchy, package-ready linemen who can create havoc. Three of the four expected starters in the secondary are out, including Detroit Lions safety Brian Branch and Detroit Lions safety Kirby Joseph, and Terrion Arnold sits on the commissioner’s exempt list. As Michael Grey said, “the secondary is easily the weakest position group on the team, period, full stop.” Detroit Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson needs help, and Detroit added it with Detroit Lions edge rusher DJ Wonnum and Detroit Lions edge Ahmed Hassanein at big end, plus a healthy Detroit Lions defensive tackle Alim McNeill. With more nickel and dime on deck and fewer three-linebacker sets, the pass rush must drive stops while Detroit Lions linebacker Jack Campbell anchors the second level. Is it finally Jameson Williams season in Detroit?Yes, and the production is already there. Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams stacked back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons, including 1,117 yards last year, and he dominated camp. His stop route on the boundary is shredding defenders, and the trust with Jared Goff is carved in stone. Jared Goff has repeatedly praised Williams’ growth over the past seasons, and Williams’ sideline leadership with the receiver room showed up all preseason. Expect the staff to feature him from Week 1 rather than forgetting him for a month and a half as Michael Grey criticized last year. What is the RB2 plan and how does Drew Petzing fit with Jared Goff?RB2 is unresolved, and protecting Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs’ workload is non-negotiable. Detroit needs a committee to siphon roughly ten carries and snaps so Jahmyr Gibbs can be deployed in routes, in the slot, and on designed passes without overuse. On the headset, Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Drew Petzing is learning the Lions’ language from Jared Goff. As Michael Grey relayed, Jared Goff explained that Petzing is being taught the offense and will build from it, which makes Jared Goff’s experience and communication invaluable to the play-caller. The mandate is clear: feature Jahmyr Gibbs and Jameson Williams, let the D-line drive the defense, and ride the culture reset into Week 1. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #jaredgoff #jamesonwilliams #dancampbell #aidanhutchinson #brianbranch #kirbyjoseph #djwonnum #ahmedhassanein #aleemmcneill #jackcampbell #drewpetzing #neworleanssaints #detroitlionsdefensiveline #nickeldefense #dimepackage Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Daily DLP from the Detroit Lions Podcast dives deep into the team’s initial 14-man practice squad signings on Monday. Before getting into the players who constitute the Lions practice squad, host Jeff Risdon reviewed some of the more intriguing, surprising moves to get to the 53-man roster. Wide receiver Greg Dortch getting cut and now moving onto the Buffalo Bills remains a head-scratcher from a football standpoint. The Lions don’t have anyone else who can do what Dortch offered as a receiver and a return man. Tyler Conklin not making the team also gets covered, with the knowledge that Jackson Meeks offers a different element than the veteran. It’s a pragmatic choice by the Lions, and also rewards Meeks for his outstanding special teams contributions all summer. Those special teams are where RB Jabari Small likely made the team as well. The practice squad has 14 players who were cut by Detroit on Sunday. Two spots remain open. One of them might be for UDFA LB Erick Hunter. While Hunter isn’t on the list, it does not necessarily mean that the Lions haven’t tried to get him back. Hunter might be weighing other opportunities with different teams that offer a more immediate path to playing time than what he has in Detroit. Two 2025 draftees, Dominic Lovett and Dan Jackson, are also not on the list. It’s a disappointing lack of progress for the two Georgia Bulldogs, taken late in the ‘25 draft. While frustrating, missing on late Day 3 picks is not cause for alarm or shame for GM Brad Holmes. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #gregdortch #jabarismall #sionevaki #jacobsaylors #jacksonmeeks #tylerconklin #brockwright #nickwhiteside #masonmiller #sethmclaughlin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Detroit Lions Cut Roster To 53 The preseason is over. The evaluations are finished. Now comes the part of the NFL calendar that can change careers in a single phone call. The Detroit Lions close August with their 53-man roster cutdown deadline arriving at 6 p.m. Sunday, only one day after a 25-16 preseason win over the Indianapolis Colts. By the time Chris and Jeff Risdon go live at 8 p.m. on the Detroit Lions Podcast, the initial roster should be set and the real work will begin: understanding why each decision was made, which players survived, who could return on the practice squad, and where Brad Holmes may still be looking for help. Colts Finale Gives Detroit One Last Set of Answers Saturday was never really about beating Indianapolis. It was about giving the back half of the Lions roster one final chance to force difficult conversations. Josh Dobbs made his strongest argument of the summer in the QB2 competition, leading three touchdown drives and playing efficient, controlled football. Luke Altmyer had been one of Detroit's best preseason stories, but turnovers in the finale complicated an already fascinating decision. Even after the Lions make their cut, the quarterback depth chart may not be completely settled if an intriguing veteran becomes available elsewhere. Jacob Saylors made another forceful case at running back with a 100-yard afternoon, while Lucky Jackson's productive receiving day provided another reminder of how painful some of these Detroit Lions Roster Cuts could become. That is the sign of a deeper football team. The most interesting names on cut day are no longer obvious camp bodies. They are players who have demonstrated legitimate NFL ability. The Hardest Decisions on the Lions Roster Running back, wide receiver, defensive line, cornerback and linebacker all carry real intrigue. The secondary deserves particular attention. Detroit has already absorbed major change there this offseason, and the health of Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch means the early-season depth chart may look very different from the version the Lions hope to field later. Every corner and safety decision therefore carries added weight. The defensive line presents the opposite problem. Detroit has built enough competition that useful players may simply run out of seats. Those are the cuts other teams watch closely on the waiver wire. Then there is the surprise cut. Every year produces one. A strong preseason can make a player difficult to waive, but roster construction involves special teams, positional flexibility, contracts and projected roles that never appear in a box score. Cutdown Day Is Only the Beginning The initial 53-man roster is not the final roster. Waiver claims arrive next, followed by the construction of the practice squad and potential veteran additions from around the league. That will be central to tonight's show. Chris and Jeff will react to the Detroit Lions roster cuts as they become official, identify the decisions that could come back to haunt Detroit, evaluate the depth chart, and discuss whether the roster is strong enough to withstand the injuries already affecting key positions. Then comes the confidence check. Detroit enters the season with legitimate expectations. The question on cutdown night is not simply whether Brad Holmes found 53 players. It is whether he kept enough depth, flexibility and NFL-ready talent to get this team through September and position the Lions for the season they believe they can have. Join us live for Detroit Lions Cut Roster To 53 as the preseason ends and the real roster takes shape. #DetroitLions, #Lions, #DetroitLionsPodcast, #OnePride, #DetroitLionsRosterCuts, #LionsRoster, #NFLRosterCuts, #LionsDepthChart, #CutdownDay, #JoshDobbs, #LukeAltmyer, #JacobSaylors, #BradHolmes, #DanCampbell, #DetroitLionsNews #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #jaredgoff #joshuadobbs #lukealtmyer #gregdortch #tomkennedy #nickwhiteside #benstille #aidanhutchinson #djwonnum #kerbyjoseph #brianbranch #jackcampbell #jacobsaylors #dancampbell #detroitlionsrostercuts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Detroit Lions will sit their starters against the Indianapolis Colts, and the outcome is irrelevant, this game decides jobs. The QB2 call turns on Lions quarterback Josh Dobbs eliminating turnovers while Lions quarterback Luke Altmyer delivers mistake-free football. Special teams performance will settle multiple roster battles and practice-squad invites. Will starters like Jared Goff and Penei Sewell play?No. Lions quarterback Jared Goff and Lions right tackle Penei Sewell are not expected to play, and the focus shifts to roster-bubble evaluations. Healthy scratches are a positive signal for players on the cusp, while those who dress are being tested for role clarity, depth value, and reliability. Lions offensive lineman Miles Frazier is a key evaluation, and he needs snaps. The staff can test him at tackle and guard to see where he holds up best with regulars out. Lions tackle Larry Borom is another usage watch, a workload that will hint at the staff’s confidence in his role. Lions guard Tate Ratledge is not expected to play, further underscoring that the priority is health over risk in this preseason finale. Who wins the Detroit Lions QB2 job, Josh Dobbs or Luke Altmyer?Josh Dobbs holds the job if he protects the ball, but Luke Altmyer can take it by avoiding disasters. As Jeff Risdon noted, the issue with Dobbs is not the highs; it is the lows, including the kind of interception he threw against Washington that cannot happen for a backup. If Dobbs plays a clean game and keeps the chains moving, he stabilizes QB2. If Altmyer manages the offense without turnovers while Dobbs repeats the same mistakes, Altmyer creates a real path onto the 53. The staff does not care about the score in this game, they care about decision-making and risk management from the backup spot. Which roster battles will special teams decide today?Several. As Jeff Risdon emphasized, Lions head coach Dan Campbell has used special teams as the tiebreaker in position battles. Look for blocking quality on punt and kick returns, lane integrity on coverage, and who draws or avoids penalties. Lions wide receiver Tay Martin and Lions wide receiver Jackson Meeks have helped themselves with their special teams work. Lions slot receiver Dominic Lovett has been inconsistent in the phase, and Lions wide receiver Tom Kennedy has been fine but outplayed by others on units. Lions wide receiver Lucky Jackson has also flashed. In the return-block core, Lions defensive lineman Anthony Lucas and Lions edge defender Eric O’Neill have stacked good reps in the middle of the kick-return unit. These reps impact not only the final 53 but also the 16 practice-squad spots. Could Detroit add a quarterback after waivers?Yes. If a cleaner decision-maker than Dobbs shakes free, the Lions will consider it. As Jeff Risdon reminded, Lions quarterbacks coach Mark Brunell once said quarterback Sam Howell has Pro Bowl potential, so a name like that, if waived, would merit a look. Any coaching wrinkles to watch?Expect a health-first approach, but there could be fun situational tests, including a long try for Lions kicker Jake Bates, even from 59 or 69 yards, and the occasional pressure call. The goal is evaluation, not a scoreboard win. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #jaredgoff #peneisewell #joshdobbs #lukealtmyer #dancampbell #jakebates #milesfrazier #larryborom #tateratledge #dominiclovett #tomkennedy #taymartin #jacksonmeeks #anthonylucas #indianapoliscolts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Daily DLP and host Jeff Risdon walk listeners and viewers through the latest Detroit Lions 53-man roster projection ahead of the team's final preseason game against the Indianapolis Colts. Some of the more difficult decisions earn extra attention. Among them: --Keeping 2 QBs instead of 3 --Activating Brian Branch from the PUP list to start the season --Tay Martin landing WR5 over a deep group --Jackson Meeks and Erick Hunter crashing the roster party --Injuries impacting the safety, RB and OL spots #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #53-manrosterprojection #jaredgoff #benstille #joshuadobbs #erickhunter #trevornowaske #taymartin #isaacteslaa #milesfrazier Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Daily DLP breaks down the Detroit Lions preseason victory in Ford Field over the Washington Commanders. What can be taken away from the game, from the players and how they performed, to the overall Lions team and depth. There were a couple of unfortunate injuries that have led to some roster changes. Can the new additions make enough of an impression in a short amount of time? Host Jeff Risdon goes over some of the bigger takeaways from the game. Some players helped themselves or upped their status with the team. Among the winners: Derrick Moore, Trevor Nowaske, Levi Onwuzurike and Jackson Meeks. Others did not help themselves. And then there were some who treaded water in a weird way, including QB Josh Dobbs. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #preseason #joshdobbs #lukealtmyer #jackcampbell #derekbarnes #alexanzalone #levionwuzurike #trevornowaske #jacksonmeeks #taymartin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Detroit Lions will use the Washington Commanders preseason home game to sort interior offensive line depth, clarify wide receiver three, and test nickel rotations while select starters play, as Dan Campbell stated. The order of substitutions will tell the story. Coaches want second-game data points on risers and rebound candidates. Which starters will play and why does it matter?Some Detroit Lions starters will play, not all, and the substitution order will reveal priority roles more than the score. As Jeff Risdon noted on the Detroit Lions Podcast, if quarterback Jared Goff sits there is no point in exposing wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown or offensive tackle Penei Sewell, while tight end Sam LaPorta needs only a brief series because his back issue can recur. Running back Jahmyr Gibbs is part of that protect-your-core logic. Expect the focus to be on who plays with whom and when, not how long the first group stays out there. What are the key Detroit Lions offensive line battles?Interior depth is unsettled and this game will shape the center and guard pecking order. Guard Ben Bartch, center Seth McLaughlin, and guard Tate Ratledge are central to the mix, and the staff will test combinations and timing to see who sticks. Offensive lineman Miller Frazier must rebound after penalties and uneven snaps while bouncing from right guard to left tackle in Cincinnati. Offensive tackle Blake Miller needs to shore up his inside shoulder in pass protection, and offensive tackle Larry Borom should post a clean slate to solidify the swing role. The sequence of reps across center and guard will be the clearest depth-chart signal. Who owns WR3 and the last wide receiver spots?Greg Dortch has outperformed Isaac TeSlaa this summer, making Washington a swing game for wide receiver three. A sure-handed, physical outing from Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa can calm concerns, but more drops or tips would strengthen Lions wide receiver Greg Dortch for WR3. Tay Martin is the front-runner for WR5. Depth pressure comes from Lions wide receivers Lucky Jackson, Cedrick Wilson, Malik Cunningham, Tom Kennedy, and Dominic Lovett. The staff can keep only so many, so special teams value and mistake-free play will separate the final few. What should we watch on defense and special teams?Nickel snaps remain open, with Lions defensive back Thomas Harper factoring as a nickel-safety hybrid and situational usage in play. With starters scheduled to see the field, Jeff Risdon expects a brief look at Lions defensive tackle Alim McNeill before the rotation turns to depth pieces. Practice has shown Lions defensive tackles McKade Wingo and Skipper Gill-Howard repping ahead of Lions defensive tackle Levi Onwuzurike, and the second preseason game can validate that order. Undrafted pushes continue with Lions edge rusher Eric O’Neill and Lions linebacker Erick Hunter stacking good tape. On offense, Lions running back Sione Vaki is a special teams lock, but this is a chance to validate the runner piece against live tackling alongside Lions running backs Jacob Saylors and Jabari Small. Bottom line, performances matter far more than the score, and no injuries is the priority. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #lionspreseason #washingtoncommanders #kelvinsheppard #erico'neilljaredgoff #samlaporta #amon-rast.brown #benbartch Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Daily DLP goes through listener mailbag questions culled from the Detroit Lions Podcast Patreon Slack channel. Lots of great questions that host Jeff Risdon offers his best knowledge and insight to answer as cleanly and succinctly as possible. Among the questions: What are the biggest changes to the Lions offense under Drew Petzing so far? Can we trust in the changes we're seeing in the practices and preseason to carry into the regular season on defense? Who is the biggest surprise cut candidate? Any free agents looking for a ring worth signing? Most competitive roster decisions in making the 53-man roster, and will the Lions once again keep fewer than 53 on that initial roster like they did a year ago? #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #mailbag #preseason #lionstrainingcamp #jahmyrgibbs #blakemiller #ennisrakestraw #devinwhite #sethmclaughlin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dan Campbell said most Detroit Lions starters will play Saturday against the Washington Commanders. The staff wants live defensive reps after the Bengals preseason opener highlighted interior issues and clarified several depth battles. As host Jeff Risdon noted, not every headliner will dress, but the standard is set for a sharper outing. Will Detroit Lions starters play against Washington?Yes. Head coach Dan Campbell said most starters will play. The goal is targeted work, not a long run-up. Who stood out and who struggled on defense vs the Bengals?Linebacker Amen Ogbongbemiga, Detroit Lions, and undrafted rookie linebacker Erick Hunter, Detroit Lions, topped the defensive sheet, while the interior defensive line lagged. Defensive tackle Ben Stille, Detroit Lions, graded best among the interior but played only in the final two defensive series, underscoring why more starter reps are planned. Michael Grey said the grades matched his notes on most fronts, but there was a clear disconnect on defensive lineman Chris Smith, Detroit Lions. The film and the grading service had Smith down, yet Dan Campbell specifically praised him for dirty-work execution, and the coach’s view is what drives roles. Cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr., Detroit Lions, finished near the bottom against the Bengals, then responded with a strong Monday practice, which is exactly the rebound the staff wants to see. Which Lions boosted or hurt their stock on offense?Running back Jacob Saylors, Detroit Lions, and wide receiver Cedric Wilson, Detroit Lions, helped themselves. Jacob Saylors created yardage behind uneven blocking and finished as the team’s leading receiver, and Cedrick Wilson ripped a clean deep crossing catch. Undrafted rookie guard Melvin Priestley, Detroit Lions, played left guard in the second half and impressed with power. Offensive tackle Blake Miller, Detroit Lions, posted a 66.6, a solid baseline outing with teachable reps. Center Seth McLaughlin, Detroit Lions, checked in at 62.0; one sack was charged to the play where offensive tackle Larry Borom, Detroit Lions, had the losing pass-pro rep. Guard Chris Mahogany, Detroit Lions, flashed an 85.2 pass-block grade against a 56.7 run-block grade, with two penalties dragging down his total. On the other end, wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa, Detroit Lions, and linemen Michael Niese, Detroit Lions, and Miles Frazier, Detroit Lions, hurt their cases. Frazier drew three penalties, and penalties crushed grades across the board. What roster battles are Detroit sorting right now?Depth, not the starting 22. Detroit is sorting the fourth and fifth defensive tackle spots, wide receiver five and six, and running back three and four. The staff values cross-team grade stacking over raw numbers, and Saturday’s targeted starter snaps are designed to sharpen the defensive front while giving bubble players another clean evaluation window for the Detroit Lions Podcast crew to track. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #dancampbell #washingtoncommanders #bengalspreseasonopener #livedefensivereps #interiordefensiveline #jaredgoff #jahmyrgibbs #amon-rast.brown #peneisewell #amenogbongbemiga Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Detroit Lions clarified their center plan: Juice Scruggs returned to first-team work and Tate Ratledge took center reps, setting Scruggs on the Week 1 path while Detroit stress-tests depth. In a rain-soaked session after the Cincinnati preseason opener, coaches rotated interior linemen to lock in trusted combinations ahead of the NFL regular season. Did the Detroit Lions clarify who starts at center in Week 1?Yes. Juice Scruggs is tracking as the starting center, and Detroit cross-trained Tate Ratledge at center with the starters while keeping Seth McLaughlin in a reserve lane. As Jeff Risdon noted, Scruggs has NFL pivot experience and projects as the player snapping the ball to Jared Goff in Week 1. When Juice Scruggs worked at center, Tate Ratledge played right guard and Christian Mahogany played left guard. When Scruggs sat, Ratledge slid inside to center, Ben Bartch came in at left guard and Mahogany moved to right guard. McLaughlin did not run with the first team in those center looks. The staff even evaluated wet-ball snapping in the rain to prepare for outdoor games. Dan Campbell previously praised McLaughlin’s effort while acknowledging his smaller build, reinforcing the view of him as a dependable backup. What roster moves and signings changed the bottom of the depth chart?Detroit waived with injury designation running back Kai Robichaux and safety Law Strickland, both hurt against the Cincinnati Bengals, and both will revert to injured reserve after waivers. Dan Campbell said Kai Robichaux broke his foot, and Law Strickland suffered a non-contact lower-leg injury. The Lions added running back Trayveon Williams and cornerback Ekow Boye-Doe. Trayveon Williams, a 2019 sixth-round pick out of Texas A&M, is a compact inside runner. Jeff Risdon noted he has 72 carries for 343 yards across seven seasons and one qualifying season as a kick returner with a poor average as a rookie, so returns are not a selling point. Ekow Boye-Doe, a Kansas State product who has spent most of his time on NFL practice squads and was in the DC Defenders camp, brings legit speed but is undersized and faces long odds after a rough first day in Allen Park. Who popped in Sunday’s rain practice?Aidan Hutchinson dominated, including blowing up a screen, a timely reminder of his game-wrecking impact. Second-round pass rusher Derek Moore returned and posted a sack in team work, flashing the length and range that set him apart from Detroit’s power-first edge depth. Isaac TeSlaa delivered the catch of the day in red zone, going up over coverage for a touchdown and spiking in celebration, as relayed from practice reports. Cornerback Khalil Dorsey showcased high-end ball skills with a full-extension, one-handed attempt downfield, the kind of playmaking that fuels his roster case on defense and special teams. How are the fringe jobs shaking out at WR, TE, OL and OT?Tay Martin earned first-team reps with an opening at wide receiver and continues to draw praise from Dan Campbell for his camp and special teams work, pushing into the roster conversation. Tight end Jackson Meeks, converting from wide receiver, returned and must win via special teams in a crowded room. Tackle depth got a boost with Devin Cochran back at practice after an early-week knock. The staff is maximizing versatility while Cade Mays remains out until at least early October. Dan Campbell set the standard plainly: “We do not have time to waste... we have to be able to trust you. You have to be dependable, coachable, and a competitor.” Detroit is rewarding competitors who stack dependable reps, exactly what Sunday’s wet-weather practice was designed to reveal. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #juicescruggs #tateratledge #christianmahogany #sethmclaughlin #benbartch #jaredgoff #dancampbell #aidanhutchinson #isaacteslaa #taymartin #khalildorsey #ekowboye-doe #kairobichaux #lawstrickland #cincinnatibengals Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jacob Saylors seized a roster-opening opportunity for the Detroit Lions, delivering fresh legs, clean routes, and hands that produced a team-high receiving output in Thursday's wet preseason loss at Cincinnati. His all-around day put him squarely in the 53-man conversation and reset the running back depth picture heading into Washington week. Can Jacob Saylors make the 53-man roster?Yes, Lions running back Jacob Saylors pushed himself into the real roster mix with a complete performance. He looked rested and explosive, processed quickly, and caught the ball naturally, finishing as Detroit's leading receiver on the night. As Jeff Risdon noted, Sailors showed the fresh-body benefit after having true recovery time since last year. The staff wants backs who trigger fast and finish, and Sailors checked those boxes. His vision and reaction stood out in the quick game and he added value in the passing attack, a critical separator for back-end roster roles. Is Isaac TeSlaa in trouble after the early turnover?No, Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa is not in danger of being cut, but he must clean up technique and urgency. He had the early-tip turnover on a ball that hit both hands and later lost a contested catch by failing to separate and secure through contact. Coaches need quicker wins off the line and faster catch-to-tuck transitions on shorter concepts. Expect Detroit to feed TeSlaa targets this week in practice and in the preseason game against the Washington Commanders to rebuild confidence and trust. What did we learn about Luke Altmyer and the offensive plan?Lions quarterback Luke Altmyer earned stock up by executing the quick-game emphasis. Detroit instructed him to get the ball out on time to his first read, and he did, which capped downfield shot volume. The wet-ball turnover appeared more like a lost handle than a designed pitch, as Jeff Risdon observed after rewatching. The takeaway is clarity, not concern: the operation prioritized rhythm, timing, and ball security in difficult rain conditions, and Altmyer delivered a steady night within that plan. Which defenders helped, and who hurt, their roster cases?Lions defensive tackle Skyler Gill-Howard, wearing number 50, stacked a strong week by translating his first-step wins into real disruption. When he wins immediately, he is a problem. Lions defensive lineman Ben Stille, number 78, also earned stock up with a pressure, sturdy run fits, and forcing cutbacks. Lions linebacker Amen Ogbongbemiga, number 57, flashed stout build and anticipatory coverage beyond a special teams profile. Edge rushers on opposite tracksLions edge rusher Eric O'Neil, 25 years old, strung together a sack, another QB hit that forced a throwaway, and a useful special teams rep. He profiles as a practice-squad keep if the numbers squeeze, but his pass-rush efficiency is real. Conversely, Lions defensive end Anthony Lucas stayed blocked too often and lacked effective counters after initial engagement. Secondary notes to watchLions cornerback Roger McCreery answered with sharp leverage and run support, then finished late with Lions cornerback Keith Abney in the slot while McCreery played outside. That usage hints at how Detroit is sorting their inside-out roles. Who took a step back?Lions safety Dan Jackson must stop diving at feet in space, and Lions safety Loren Strickland did not help his case either. Lions linebacker Troy Reeder had an anonymous outing at Mike. On the line, Lions offensive lineman Miles Frazier struggled at right guard and later at left tackle with stiff, slow sets. Reps could reshuffle when the staff balances work for veterans like Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson and DJ Wanham in practice. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #jacobsaylors #isaacteslaa #lukealtmyer #skylergill-howard #anthonylucas #erico'neil #benstille #manuogbongbemiga #troyreeder #milesfrazier #rogermccreery #keithabney #aidanhutchinson #washingtoncommanders #cincinnatibengals Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Detroit Lions Post Bengals Preseason Evaluation The first preseason game is rarely about the final score, and Detroit’s 16-14 loss to Cincinnati was no exception. The Detroit Lions rested most of their established starters while the Bengals gave their first units early work, creating exactly the kind of uneven laboratory Dan Campbell wanted for evaluating the bottom half of his roster. Detroit’s reserves hung around anyway, and by the end of the night there was far more to discuss than the scoreboard. On this episode of the Detroit Lions Podcast, Chris and Jeff Risdon break down what actually mattered from Lions vs. Bengals: which training camp battles moved, which players helped themselves, where injuries have complicated the depth chart, and whether anything we saw should change our confidence in this team. Hassanein and Saylors Turn Camp Buzz Into Game Production Ahmed Hassanein entered the night as one of the best stories of Lions training camp. Then his first snap produced a sack of Joe Burrow. That was not his only moment. Hassanein finished with two sacks, four tackles and a forced fumble, translating weeks of strong practice work into an actual NFL game environment. His development at big end suddenly looks less like an August curiosity and more like something that could affect Detroit’s defensive rotation. Running back Jacob Saylors accomplished something similar. With injuries creating opportunities behind Jahmyr Gibbs and Isiah Pacheco, Saylors produced 55 rushing yards on eight carries and added three catches for 28 yards. The RB depth chart was already unsettled, and his performance ensures that conversation continues. Rookie right tackle Blake Miller also passed an important first test. Campbell’s best review may have been that he barely noticed Miller during the game. For an offensive tackle making his NFL debut, that is usually a compliment. Ennis Rakestraw, Injuries and a Changing Depth Chart Few players needed these preseason snaps more than Ennis Rakestraw Jr. His first two seasons were disrupted by injuries, and this summer he has been trying to regain ground in a cornerback room where Rock Ya-Sin and Nick Whiteside have strengthened their positions. That made another injury scare particularly frustrating. Rakestraw left during the second quarter after an open-field tackle and did not return, but the immediate news was encouraging. X-rays showed no structural damage, and Campbell characterized the issue as a minor arm contusion. Mekhi Wingo also exited and could enter concussion protocol, while safety Loren Strickland required additional imaging after leaving the game. These are not simply medical notes in August. Every missed practice changes somebody else’s opportunity, and those opportunities can reshape the final roster. The offense produced more mixed evaluations. Luke Altmyer flashed late with an 80-yard touchdown drive but also finished with two interceptions. Isaac TeSlaa had a difficult night, while Detroit’s makeshift offensive line struggled with penalties and cohesion. Those performances matter because several of these competitions remain very much alive. What Should Lions Fans Think After Preseason Game One? The early confidence check should remain measured but positive. Detroit did not play this game to prove its starters could beat Cincinnati’s starters. It played to learn about the players who might be needed when injuries inevitably arrive. Hassanein looks increasingly real. Saylors made his case. Miller looked comfortable. Rakestraw’s situation remains worth watching. The defensive depth showed some bite, while several offensive depth battles remain unsettled. Join Chris and Jeff for the Detroit Lions Post Bengals Preseason Evaluation as they separate meaningful evidence from preseason noise and examine exactly what Thursday night changed for the Lions. #DetroitLions, #Lions, #DetroitLionsPodcast, #OnePride, #LionsPreseason, #LionsVsBengals, #EnnisRakestraw, #AhmedHassanein, #JacobSaylors, #BlakeMiller, #TrainingCampBattles, #LionsInjuries, #LionsDepthChart, #NFLPreseason, #DetroitLionsNews #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #detroitlionspreseason #detroitlionsnews #lionsvsbengals #cincinnatibengals #ennisrakestraw #ennisrakestrawinjury #ahmedhassanein #jacobsaylors #blakemiller #nflpreseason #trainingcampbattles #lionsdepthchart #lionsinjuries Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There is an actual Detroit Lions football game tonight! The Daily DLP ventures into much-welcomed game preview territory ahead of Thursday night’s preseason opener between the Lions and the Cincinnati Bengals. It’s the first opportunity for fans to check out the start of the 2026 Lions. Even though it’s an exhibition game that doesn’t count in the standings, it’s still a very important night for a lot of Lions. Reflecting on the players to watch list published earlier this week, today’s Daily expands on broader concepts about the game in Cincinnati. How do the Bengals specifically present opportunities for some of the Lions players battling for roster status? The Bengals are a strict 4-2-5 defense that had the lowest blitz rate in the NFL in 2025, and also sported the 31st-ranked run defense. That creates a good opportunity for the offensive linemen and running backs to show what they can do for Detroit. Because the Lions aren’t expected to play any of the players whose jerseys you would see fans wearing to the game, the exhibition opener is all about the depth battles and younger players trying to make names for themselves. For some players, tonight’s game might be the last time they ever wear a Lions uniform. It’s important to remember that and provide perspective when the game gets into the fourth quarter and even the most ardent Detroit fans are asking, “who is that guy?” This game does have one interesting subplot: the punters. Detroit’s Jack Fox and Cincinnati’s Ryan Rekhow are each statistically among the best punters ever. It might be an intriguing display of punting and also of using special teams as an evaluation tool for both coaching staffs. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #cincinnatibengals #joeburrow #dancampbell #drewpetzing #mikekafka #blakemiller #sethmclaughlin #colbysorsdal #kairobichaux #jacobsailors #jabarismall #taymartin #tomkennedy #ennisrakestrawjr. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Detroit Lions are built to contend now, and ownership expects more than a 9-8 season. Detroit Lions owner Sheila Hamp emphasized increased roster depth and declared the team a contender, and she clarified that last season’s record was not up to the organization’s standards after a top-to-bottom review. Are the Detroit Lions legitimate contenders right now?Yes, the standard has moved to contention. Detroit Lions owner Sheila Hamp told Fox 2's Dan Miller that the team has more depth than ever and said they are "definitely going to be a hunter," reflecting an organization ready to win. As Jeff Risdon noted, the combination of top-end talent and improved depth removes excuses. The expectation inside Allen Park is to compete at the top of the NFC. Questions exist, as they do for all 32 teams, but Detroit’s roster composition supports a win-now posture. What did Sheila Hamp really say about 9-8?She stated that 9-8 is a winning record but not good enough for the Detroit Lions. Hamp explained that after last season the organization conducted a thorough, top-to-bottom self-assessment, identified several things to improve, and corrected them, aligning the entire building on bringing a winner to Detroit. Context matters. Too many people clipped only the “nine and eight is a winning season” part. The full message rejected complacency and reaffirmed rising standards. As Jeff Risdon emphasized, the owner’s tone was engaged and demanding, not satisfied. Which front office moves matter for 2026 roster building?Dwayne Joseph has been promoted to vice president of player personnel, a significant elevation that positions him for future assistant GM or GM consideration and reflects trust in his evaluations. Former offensive tackle Jamarco Jones joined Detroit as a scouting fellow, adding a recent-player lens to the evaluation process during a critical roster-shaping period. These behind-the-scenes changes matter now because they directly touch preseason evaluation, cutdown decisions, practice squad planning, and potential trades. As Jeff Risdon put it, this stretch is about sorting how many at each position to keep and who to shop or stash, and those calls funnel through player personnel and evaluations. What should fans watch in the Lions at Bengals preseason opener?Expect a stress test for the trenches and a fast read on depth. Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow is expected to play a couple of series, and Cincinnati is focusing on linebackers and a revamped defensive tackle group that will challenge the Detroit Lions offensive line regardless of which unit is on the field. Per Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell, Lions rookie Blake Miller will play, while Lions rookie Tate Ratledge will not. Some Bengals starters will appear, but the night is about Detroit’s evaluations more than the score. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #sheilahamp #dancampbell #joeburrow #dwaynejoseph #jamarcojones #danskipper #giovannimanu #bradholmes #johndorsey #tateratledge #blakemiller #cincinnatibengals #detroitlionsoffensiveline Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The latest episode of the Daily DLP from the Detroit Lions Podcast reviews the training camp sessions from Monday, August 10th and Tuesday, August 11th. It’s a deep dive into the sights and sounds from the Meijer Performance Center in Allen Park. Special attention is paid to the center spot, where Seth McLaughlin has taken over as the starter for the injured Cade Mays. A broken wrist will sideline Mays for 8-to-10 weeks, bleeding into the first few weeks of the regular season. McLaughlin, who missed his entire rookie season recovering from a torn Achilles, had a mixed bag of two practices, though he did get better the more he played. Josh Dobbs is the new backup quarterback, and he kicked off his time with the team with a bang on Tuesday. Dobbs’ first pass in the team session was a perfect seam hit to wide receiver Cedrick Wilson between two defenders. Rookie Luke Altmyer took most of the backup reps on Tuesday after playing all of them on Monday. The Daily goes over winners from Tuesday’s pit drill, pitting offensive and defensive linemen against one another. Some special teams winners from both days also emerged. There is also quite a battle brewing at running back behind Jahmyr Gibbs and with Sione Vaki sidelined with a nasty eye injury. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #jaredgoff #aidanhutchinson #panaysewell #sethmclaughlin #michaelniese #benbartch #christianmahogany #thomasharper #brianbranch #kirbyjoseph #devinwhite #derekbarnes #jahmyrgibbs #samlaporta #joshdobbs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Detroit Lions center Cade Mays suffered a small broken bone in his wrist and will miss eight to ten weeks, immediately reshaping Detroit’s center plan. Seth McLaughlin handled most first-team snaps today and Juice Scruggs reenters the competition once healthy, while the quarterback room tightens after Teddy Bridgewater stepped away. How serious is Cade Mays’s injury and what is the timeline?Cade Mays is out eight to ten weeks with a wrist fracture, per Ian Rapoport, and the Detroit Lions will treat it as a significant in-season absence. Head coach Dan Campbell declined to give a timeline but said Mays would be back for the playoffs. As Jeff Risdon noted on the Detroit Lions Podcast, this is a major setback for an inexperienced interior line that was counting on Mays’s early run-game power and communication. The most logical roster move is injured reserve with designation to return. Expecting Mays back after the bye is the early speculation. The takeaway is firm, the Lions must build cohesion without their best center for the first stretch of 2026. Who snaps the ball now for the Detroit Lions?Seth McLaughlin, Detroit Lions undrafted rookie center, took the majority of first-team reps today, and Detroit Lions center Juice Scruggs returns to that competition when his soft-tissue issue clears. Both will get evaluated with first-team work. McLaughlin is quick, smart, and agile, but undersized, and the jump from third-team work to facing Detroit Lions defensive tackle Alim McNeill and Detroit Lions edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson showed early. He settled in with some wins and some losses, a work in progress. Scruggs, currently out for Thursday, started at center for the Houston Texans in the first half of 2024 before injuries moved him to guard. He was better at center than guard, and once healthy he will get a real look to outplay McLaughlin. Expect the staff to toggle reps to find the cleanest protections and run fits. What does Teddy Bridgewater stepping away mean for the QB room?Josh Dobbs is now the primary backup to Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff, with undrafted rookie Luke Altmyer behind him. Depth if the backup must play is a concern. Jeff Risdon said he likes Dobbs personally and believes he gets it, but added that if Dobbs has to play, he is not feeling great about that. On Luke Altmyer, Risdon described the camp you would expect from an undrafted rookie with promise and a lot of work to do. The message is clear, Goff’s health is paramount, and the staff needs clean centers to keep the operation on schedule. Can the offense still fire without Cade Mays?Yes, the offense remains good, but its ceiling drops without Cade Mays anchoring the interior. Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta flashed again and Jared Goff looked great overall, though he did throw a pick. The line has bright spots. Detroit Lions left guard Christian Mahogany has run away with the job and looked very good again. Detroit Lions right guard Tate Ratledge is steady in year two, but losing Mays removes a veteran support hub between him and rookie right tackle Blake Miller. Miller needs more consistency and was beaten at times by Aidan Hutchinson, Detroit Lions edge rusher DJ Wonnum, and defensive end Ahmed Hassanein. Detroit Lions left tackle Taylor Decker’s limited practice time last year showed how missed reps hurt cohesion, and Jeff Risdon stressed that five playing as one matters. With Mays out, the Lions must fast-track center continuity to keep a strong offense from slipping. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #cademays #sethmclaughlin #juicescruggs #jaredgoff #samlaporta #aidanhutchinson #djwonnum #alimmcneill #blakemiller #tateratledge #christianmahogany #taylordecker #joshdobbs #teddybridgewater #ahmedhassanein Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Daily DLP shifts the focus outside of Detroit Lions training camp for a day, inviting Andrew Harbaugh back for another discussion. Harbaugh is the managing editor of the Vikings and Buccaneers Wires for the USA TODAY network, and his knowledge and perspective on those teams, as well as Detroit, get spotlighted in this Daily. The Jahmyr Gibbs contract extension in Detroit leads off the conversation. Harbaugh is envious of the Lions' abundance of high-end talent, something that neither NFC team he covers can come close to matching. Minnesota has major questions at quarterback, as well as throughout the back end of the defense. The failure of J.J. McCarthy to develop into a starting QB despite the Vikings having a strong offensive line, decent run game and an outstanding 1-2 punch at wide receiver frames everything else for their offseason. Trading away their top pass rusher hasn't helped the Vikings, either. The Buccaneers brought drama upon themselves with their handling of QB Baker Mayfield. No more Mike Evans in Tampa Bay, as well. Because Harbaugh and DLP host Jeff Risdon are both NFL Draft analysts, a brief discussion about the upcoming QB class throws some bones to the draftnik crowd. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #jahmyrgibbs #minnesotavikings #tampabaybuccaneers #j.j.mccarthy #2027nfldraft #jaredgoff #nfcnorth Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices