Detroit Lions roster spots still up for grabs going into preseason finale
The Detroit Lions go into their final preseason game with some decisions to make at quarterback and receiver while fourth-round draft pick Sione Vaki looks as if he has done enough to earn a roster spot.
Coach Dan Campbell said on Tuesday there are still five or six roster positions up for grabs before Aug. 27 when rosters must be cut to 53. The Lions play their final preseason game against Pittsburgh on Saturday.
"I told the team this morning — for a number of those guys — that there's still open spots here so if you want it, go get it," Campbell said on Tuesday.
The quarterback competition for the No. 2 spot between Nate Sudfeld and Hendon Hooker has not been settled. Sudfeld started the first two preseason games while Campbell expects Hooker to start on Saturday. He would have started at the Chiefs but was slowed down coming off a concussion.
"Certainly we want to get him a real good look, we'd love to get him a lot of reps this week," Campbell said. "We'd love to start him this week and then it's a matter of how much does he play."
Hooker took the No. 2 reps in Tuesday's practice.
"What we know about Hooker is, Hooker is a young developing quarterback, he needs reps and he needs time," Campbell said. "Nate right now has the upper hand because he's played more, he's been in it more, he's seen it more. So with that that would tell you there's a good chance you could keep three. Am I going to say that 100 percent certain right now? No, but that's what you look at."
Wide receivers looking to clinch the fourth and/or fifth spots include Daurice Fountain, Donovan Peoples-Jones, rookie Isaiah Williams and Kaden Davis.
Vaki, a rookie running back with good hands, had 10 touches for 82 yards in the preseason win over the Chiefs. Campbell said he could "feel the growth from him" in that game.
Vaki has made the switch to offense after playing mostly safety at Utah. Special teams work adds another dimension to his game.
Kicker Jake Bates appears to have grabbed a roster spot by making four field goals including the 43-yard game-winner. His only miss came on an extra point.
Undrafted rookie defensive lineman Isaac Ukwu was mentioned by Campbell as someone who has slowly and consistently been improving. He had a sack in each of the first two preseason games.
"When (Ukwu) got here this spring he was last on the depth chart. It was where can this guy play? He's not the biggest guy, he's not really a SAM (linebacker), is he a defensive end? He's steadily gotten better and better and better — he plays much bigger than he is, he plays longer than his length says," Campbell said. "Every time you get an opportunity he shows up. He's just an example of some guys we've got our eyes on."
NOTES: Running back Jahmyr Gibbs (hamstring) is expected to practice next week. Rookie CB Terrion Arnold (pec) could return in the middle of next week. Campbell said both are trending the right way. ... Rookie CB Ennis Rakestraw (ankle) returned to practice on Tuesday. … Others expected to return from injury next week are OL Dan Skipper, TE Sam LaPorta, G Kevin Zeitler and LB Malcolm Rodriguez.