Pride Of Detroit

Stock declined during the preseason game, hurting his roster position in the tight end competition.

Was in competition with Jackson Meeks for a TE4 role, but Meeks was clearly favored by the coaching staff in the preseason game, suggesting Gordon is falling behind in the tight end depth chart competition.

Veteran tight end got the start and secured two receptions, maintaining neutral stock status in the depth chart competition.

Wide receiver convert got the start at tight end and produced a 17-yard reception with 16 yards after the catch, demonstrating strong performance. Meeks was believed to be in competition with Thomas Gordon for a TE4 role, but clearly was favored by the coaching staff in this game and looks to be ahead in the competition.

Veteran had one reception in the preseason game but appears to be falling behind in the competition for a roster spot, suggesting diminished chances of making the 53-man roster.

Veteran had one reception in the preseason game but appears to be falling behind in the competition for a roster spot, suggesting diminished chances of making the 53-man roster.

Maintained neutral stock status during the preseason game, neither helping nor hurting his roster position.

Maintained neutral stock status during the preseason game, neither helping nor hurting his roster position.

Maintained neutral stock status during the preseason game, neither helping nor hurting his roster position.

Stock rose during the preseason game against Cincinnati, indicating improved performance in the wide receiver competition.

In the WR5 competition, Martin got the first and most opportunities among reserves alongside Dominic Lovett, hauling in his only target for 14 yards. However, he took a smaller step forward than Lovett in the competition for the reserve wide receiver role.

In the WR5 competition, Lovett took a bigger step forward than peer Tay Martin, receiving eight targets and catching three for 28 yards. He demonstrated the ability to get open quickly in his routes, positioning himself as the leading candidate for the reserve wide receiver role.

Continued his rough preseason performance against Cincinnati, targeted three times but failed to catch a pass; one target bounced off his helmet, deflected in the air, and resulted in an interception. Despite Coach Dan Campbell's public reassurance that TeSlaa will "be fine," the receiver needs to start stacking wins soon if he hopes to be involved in the offense early in the season. Campbell acknowledged the pressure TeSlaa is placing on himself in his second season.

Sustained an undisclosed injury during the preseason game, creating uncertainty around his roster status.

Sustained a nose/eye injury during the preseason game, affecting his availability for upcoming competition.

Suffered an MCL sprain during the preseason game against Cincinnati, adding to the running back depth chart uncertainty.

Continues to look strong as a downhill runner but doesn't offer much beyond that, limiting his versatility and appeal in the RB4 competition.

Showed promise in the RB4 competition with a notable 24-yard run, demonstrating some upside worth monitoring in the backup running back race.

In the RB4 competition, Saylors took a massive step forward, leading the team in rushing attempts, yards, average yards per carry, receptions, and receiving yards. He demonstrated versatility by getting involved in the offense in multiple ways, showed decisiveness as a runner with shifty movement, and produced results on different routes. Coach Dan Campbell called him "probably our most potent player on offense" and described him as "a steady workhorse," indicating he is the leading candidate for the backup running back role.

Undrafted rookie showed composure and poise in his preseason debut, playing roughly two-thirds of offensive snaps. While his box-score stats appear below-average, he demonstrated efficient communication, stayed composed in the pocket, and trusted teammates. Coach Dan Campbell praised his accuracy and touch on deep balls, noting "the composure, not too big for him, the accuracy, those deep balls—he's got a touch about them." His turnovers (two interceptions and one fumble) stemmed from correctable circumstances: one pick bounced off receiver Isaac TeSlaa, another came from forcing late-game plays, and the fumble resulted from a wet ball on the handoff. Campbell emphasized these mistakes are learning opportunities rather than indictments of his ability.

Second-year wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa had a difficult preseason performance against Cincinnati, including a turnover-worthy play where an Altmyer pass bounced off his facemask directly into the hands of the defense. The source notes it's been a tough training camp overall for the Hudsonville native, and expects the coaching staff to continue loading him with reps as the preseason progresses.

Rookie quarterback Luke Altmyer looked calm and cool operating the Lions' offense in the preseason game against Cincinnati, demonstrating composure in his first exhibition appearance.

Started at defensive tackle with 29 snaps (41%) and 4 pass rush snaps (16%); neither he nor Levi Onwuzurike made much of an impact right away.

Got the earliest play of the reserves, suggesting he's higher on the depth chart than Tyler Gordon and Zach Horton, who played deep into the game.

Got his feet wet early in the game, which is a good sign for his injury progress; continues to be the heavy favorite for the TE3 job.

Horton played 22 snaps (33%) plus 13 special teams snaps (52%) in the preseason opener, playing deep into the game. The source indicates he's lower on the tight end depth chart than Jackson Meeks, though his high special teams snap count suggests a role there.

Meeks played 24 snaps (36%) plus 9 special teams snaps (36%) in the preseason opener, getting the earliest play of the reserves among the tight ends. The source notes this suggests he's higher on the depth chart than Tyler Gordon and Zach Horton, who played deeper into the game.

Conklin played 17 snaps (26%) in the preseason opener, getting his feet wet early in the game. The source notes this is a good sign for his injury progress and indicates he continues to be the heavy favorite for the TE3 job.

Cunningham played 14 snaps (21%) plus 8 special teams snaps (32%) in the preseason opener. The source provides snap count data but no specific evaluation of his performance.

Wilson played 15 snaps (23%) in the preseason opener. The source provides snap count data but no specific evaluation of his performance.

Jackson played 17 snaps (26%) plus 7 special teams snaps (28%) in the preseason opener. The source provides snap count data but no specific evaluation of his performance.

Kennedy played 25 snaps (38%) in the preseason opener but had a quiet day. Notably, he received no special teams reps, which the source suggests could be notable for his roster standing in the WR5 competition.

Black played 16 snaps (24%) plus 7 special teams snaps (28%) in the preseason opener and had Detroit's only touchdown, along with a nice catch that was called on an iffy pass interference. He's competing for the WR5 role.

Martin played 30 snaps (45%) plus 7 special teams snaps (28%) in the preseason opener, nearly matching Lovett's snap count. He had a nice grab in the game and is competing for the WR5 role, with the source noting the WR5 battle is continuing to heat up.

Lovett played 32 snaps (48%) plus 7 special teams snaps (28%) in the preseason opener, leading the wide receiver group in snaps. His play was up and down, with him making a few big catches, a couple drops, and a muffed punt that he recovered. He's competing for the WR5 role.

Dortch, Detroit's WR4, barely played in the preseason opener with only 7 snaps (11%) plus 1 special teams snap (4%). The source notes this further cements his spot on the roster, indicating his role is secure but limited.

TeSlaa got plenty of reps with 17 snaps (26%) in the preseason opener, with the Lions hoping the second-year receiver could shake his slow start to training camp. Unfortunately, that didn't happen, suggesting his performance did not meet expectations despite the opportunity.

Robichaux played 21 snaps (32%) plus 8 special teams snaps (32%) in the preseason opener. The source provides snap count data but no specific evaluation of his performance or depth chart standing.

Pacheco did not play in the preseason opener due to injury. The source does not specify the nature or severity of the injury, only noting his DNP status.

Vaki did not play in the preseason opener as he continues to rest following a nose and eye injury, but his roster spot is secure. Coach Campbell essentially locked him in as RB3 on Thursday night while praising Saylors, indicating Vaki is one of the best special teams players in the league and will retain his role despite the injury.