Snap counts, PFF grades: Jameson Williams flashes elite speed with larger role
And the rookie’s increased role was foretold by Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell, with Williams playing it cool ahead of the game. The analytics site had the Lions with 13 missed tackles last week in Carolina, not to mention 15 missed tackles the first time they faced these Bears. Detroit’s defense was docked with six missed tackles, which is a step in the right direction. Swift graded above 90 for the first time, adding 54 yards after contact and forcing six missed tackles. Williams had 107 yards after contact, forcing five missed tackles, one of the best showings of his career.
mlive.comLions RB Justin Jackson tweaks hip; DeShon Elliott, Kayode Awosika ruled out
ALLEN PARK -- The Detroit Lions haven’t run the football well in weeks. Now they’re dealing with another injury at running back after Justin Jackson was limited by a hip issue at practice on Friday. With top backs Jamaal Williams and D’Andre Swift struggling down the stretch, the Lions have averaged just 3.7 yards per carry during their late-season surge. If he’s limited in Chicago, Craig Reynolds likely will replace him as RB3. Only safety DeShon Elliott (shoulder) and guard Kayode Awosika (ankle) have been ruled out, as expected.
mlive.comRB Craig Reynolds activated from injured reserve, WR Tom Kennedy cut
Running back Craig Reynolds has been activated from injured reserve, and made the team flight to New York for Sunday’s game against the New York Jets. Reynolds opened the season as RB3 behind Jamaal Williams and D’Andre Swift, but missed the last five games with a knee injury. To make room on the roster for Reynolds, the Lions have cut Tom Kennedy. Kennedy has been a quality player while moving between the 53-man roster and practice squad over the years, and is a strong candidate to return to the practice squad next week. The Lions also announced they’re elevating quarterback Josh Dobbs and linebacker Jarrad Davis from the practice squad.
mlive.comLions re-sign Trinity Benson to bolster banged-up receiver corps
ALLEN PARK -- Injuries have struck the Detroit Lions offense again. Running back Craig Reynolds has been moved to injured reserve because of a rib injury he suffered in the win against Green Bay. Now the Lions are adding some help, re-signing Trinity Benson off Denver’s practice squad. Benson is a rangy burner whom the Lions first acquired in a trade with the Broncos last season. Benson showed a better grasp of the playbook this offseason, but ultimately didn’t do enough to win a roster job and was cut coming out of training camp.
mlive.comSnap counts, PFF grades: Lions scale back RB D’Andre Swift’s work even further
DETROIT -- Detroit Lions running back D’Andre Swift was even more limited in his second game back playing through ankle and shoulder injuries. Swift was limited to only 10 offensive snaps, running twice for 10 yards. Jamaal Williams led the running backs in work (38 snaps) and production again. Reserve back Justin Jackson worked 13 offensive snaps, running four times for 27 yards. Wright played 50 of the 62 offensive snaps, failing to catch his lone target.
mlive.comRodgers throws 3 INTs, Lions hold on to beat Packers 15-9
Aaron Rodgers matched a career high with three interceptions and threw an incomplete pass on fourth down from the Detroit 17 in the final minute, letting the Detroit Lions hold on for a 15-9 win over the Packers in a matchup of slumping teams on Sunday.
4th Detroit Lions episode of Hard Knocks: The humbling reality of watching players you know got cut
The fourth episode of Hard Knocks featuring the Detroit Lions came with a bit of a sick twist: It focused on players battling to make the roster, while the harsh reality is that just hours earlier, we all found out most of them came up short.
Detroit Lions finalize 53-man roster: QB David Blough in, WR Trinity Benson out
ALLEN PARK -- The Detroit Lions have finalized their initial 53-man roster, going with David Blough as their backup quarterback, Craig Reynolds and Jermar Jefferson as their backup running backs, and Kalif Raymond and Quintez Cephus as their backup receivers. Defensive tackle Demetrius Taylor also made it as an undrafted rookie, extending Detroit’s streak of rostering a UDFA to 13 years. This story will be updated momentarily. Parker, Cedric Boswell, Mark Gilbert, Saivion Smith, C.J. MooreInjured reserve: Jerry JacobsSpecialists (3)In: P Jack Fox, K Austin Seibert, LS Scott DalyOut: K Riley Patterson
mlive.comSnap counts: Lions get starters some run while taking close look at bubble players
The Detroit Lions needed to get most of their starters some run while taking one last look at bubble players in the preseason finale. And while it wasn’t that group’s best showing, it’s still an optimism-inducing sight to see those five together. Stenberg did himself a favor with strong showings in consecutive weeks while riding the roster bubble. Jackson was solid enough, with two attempts for 53 yards. Jermar Jefferson had a tough day, with six carries for 28 yards (with a long run of 27 yards).
mlive.comStock report: Who’s trending up or down for the Lions ahead of final roster cuts
The Detroit Lions have a much deeper roster in Year 2 of Dan Campbell and Brad Holmes running the show. Related: Ben Raven’s final Detroit Lions 53-man roster projectionRelated: Kyle Meinke’s final Detroit Lions 53-man roster projection: No backup QBs worth a spot“Tough, it’s going to be tough. And so, when you have better talent, it makes the other talent better, and then it’s just as highly competitive, and you make bigger strides.”Let’s get into one last stock report for the Detroit Lions ahead of the NFL’s cut day:Trending upDL Austin BryantAustin Bryant did a little bit of everything for Detroit’s defense. LB Derrick BarnesLinebackers coach Kelvin Sheppard told us that Derrick Barnes was coming, and then the second-year linebacker put the bows on a strong final two weeks of camp and the preseason. He got it rolling heading into joint practices last week, then kept it going into the final two exhibition games.
mlive.comBen Raven’s final Detroit Lions 53-man roster projection
ALLEN PARK -- The Detroit Lions have until Tuesday afternoon to trim their roster to 53 players ahead of the new season. But he doesn’t compete with Trinity Benson’s contributions on special teams. Board is a solid option that could be a key special teams contributor if he gets bumped in the depth chart. “... well, there’s always a tie breaker, it’s going to be special teams,” Campbell said on Friday. “That’s the first, and I mean if it’s close at all, it needs to be somebody we know can help us on special teams.
mlive.comKyle Meinke’s final Detroit Lions 53-man roster projection: No backup QBs worth a spot
PITTSBURGH -- The Detroit Lions finished the preseason with a 19-9 loss on Sunday against the Steelers. Here’s my final projection about what to expect heading into the 53-man limit that will be imposed at 4 p.m. Tuesday. I asked him directly whether the Lions would look to add another backup quarterback this week. One of the team’s best receivers, Josh Reynolds, was a waiver claim who averaged 16.1 yards per catch last year. It was hard not to notice how many teams he was repping with the first team last week.
mlive.com‘Hard Knocks’ analysis: Detroit Lions bubble players, culture change take spotlight in Episode 3
I always enjoy this dimension of “Hard Knocks.” Dreams are made and broken during a week like this, so the stakes are impossibly high. I really enjoyed the first two episodes of “Hard Knocks.” I think they did a really good job accurately portraying how things work around here. Because I’m going to be me, and I’m going to be different, but I’m going to be me. During “Hard Knocks,” the connection Staley has with his players is obvious. But “Hard Knocks” has a knack for getting to the other side of guys, and they did so with Fraley during a film session with the offensive lineman.
mlive.comSnap counts: Lions RBs Craig Reynolds, Justin Jackson look strong on push for depth roles
Justin Jackson and Jermar Jefferson were next in line, with Godwin Igwebuike cleaning up in the fourth quarter. Jackson led the way with 54 yards but most impressively recovered from a nearly lost fumble. Jackson has 206 career carries for 1,040 yards and four scores, with a strong average of 5 yards per attempt. “I mean, I was just talking to G(odwin Igwebuike) about that,” Jackson said in the locker room after the game. Maurice Alexander was the only player to return a kick (out of the end zone) for the Lions on Saturday.
mlive.comWhat’s being said nationally after Lions stuff Colts’ running game for rare preseason win
INDIANAPOLIS -- The Detroit Lions scored their first preseason win since 2018, beating the Indianapolis Colts 27-26 through a late two-point conversion stop in the final minute at Lucas Oil Stadium. Detroit dominated the running game on both sides of the ball Saturday afternoon at Lucas Oil Stadium. The Lions ran for 174 yards and one touchdown on 33 attempts while holding the Colts to 30 yards on 18 carries. Godwin Igwebuike punched in the game-winning touchdown while running for 32 yards, with Jermar Jefferson adding 25 yards. “Yeah, it was just everybody playing together,” Lions defensive end John Cominsky said after the game.
mlive.comSnap counts: Detroit Lions get extended look at rookie safety Kerby Joseph
DETROIT -- Tracy Walker and DeShon Elliott have been at the top of the safety room for the Detroit Lions from the start of training camp. And that’s no surprise, with third-round rookie Kerby Joseph still relatively new to safety and other defensive backs swapping positions. Joseph put some good tape into existence through a couple of rookie blips on the radar with the opportunity. Walker added two tackles on his 13 reps. Hughes had two tackles while playing next to Joseph for most of the game. He ran three times for 13 yards while adding two catches for 5 yards.
mlive.comDetroit Lions training camp preview: RB D’Andre Swift primed for breakout season
Today: Running backs | Previously: Quarterbacks | Wide receivers/tight ends | Offensive lineRoster locks: RB D’Andre Swift, RB Jamaal Williams, FB Jason CabindaCompeting: RB Jermar Jefferson, RB Craig Reynolds, RB Greg Bell, RB Godwin IgwebuikeNotable departures: NoneBreakdown: D’Andre Swift has continued to show flashes of being a versatile problem for defenses to handle out of the backfield. The talent is undeniably there for the 23-year-old to have a breakout season in Year 3 for the Detroit Lions. And it’s not just about what Swift can do as a ball-carrier, because he wasn’t great between the tackles last season. The Lions averaged 4.4 yards per rush attempt last season, which was the 11th-best mark in the NFL. Roster projection: RB D’Andre Swift, RB Jamaal Williams, RB Craig Reynolds, RB Jermar Jefferson, FB Jason Cabinda
mlive.comDetroit Lions free agency preview: Cordarrelle Patterson highlights uninspiring running back class
This is the second of a seven-part series previewing the Detroit Lions’ positional needs heading into free agency. McKissic (Commanders), Latavius Murray (Ravens), Damien Williams (Bears), Malcolm Brown (Dolphins)Breakdown: Cordarrelle Patterson is the top running back on the free-agent market after delivering a true breakout season. He ran 153 times for 618 yards and six touchdowns, adding 52 catches for 548 yards and five scores. He ran for 601 yards and three touchdowns on 153 attempts in his first season in Detroit. Penny ran 25 times for 170 yards and two touchdowns in Week 17.
mlive.comDetroit Lions 2021 review: D’Andre Swift’s big-play ability, intriguing depth has team optimistic at RB
Previous entries: QuarterbacksRUNNING BACKSStarters: D’Andre Swift, Jamaal Williams, FB Jason CabindaBackups: Craig Reynolds, Godwin Igwebuike, Jermar JeffersonKey stats: The Lions averaged 4.4 yards per rushing attempt. Detroit hadn’t averaged that many yards per attempt since finishing ninth in 2004 when then-rookie Kevin Jones ran for 1,133 yards. Williams ran for a career-high 601 yards while starting 11 games. He returned for the final two games, running 11 times for 62 yards and one touchdown while catching six balls for only 23 yards. Reynolds ran for 83 yards in his debut, then went off for 112 yards while carrying the ball 26 times.
mlive.comThe Detroit Lions rebuild is thriving after Year 1
Look at the New York Giants, lining up for QB sneaks on third-and-9 as they consider firing their general manager. Now look at the Detroit Lions. That was tied for the fewest wins in the league this season, and tied for their fewest wins since 2009. But the Lions finished 3-3, with two of those wins coming against teams in the NFC playoff field. Some might look at the Lions’ trick plays against Green Bay, or all those fake punts, or all those fourth-down attempts -- no one has ever gone for it more times in a season than the 2021 Detroit Lions -- and say this isn’t sustainable.
mlive.comLions RB D’Andre Swift doesn’t expect role to change much in finale against Packers
ALLEN PARK -- Detroit Lions running back D’Andre Swift was back in action for the first time in a month last week, leading the room in snaps while seeing only seven touches in Seattle. Swift was deemed 100% ahead of last week’s game, with Lions coaches saying it was “full steam ahead” and no restrictions for the second-year back. “For the most part, I knew I was going to be limited, as far as the amount of carries and touches and things like that going into the game,” Swift said. We trying to finish strong, like I said, this last game trying to get a win. I just got to find more ways to continue to hammer the point home.”Related headlines:What to expect from the likely return of Lions running back D’Andre Swift?
mlive.comSnap counts: D’Andre Swift leads Lions RBs in reps despite not seeing many touches in return
D’Andre Swift was back in the lineup for the first time since Thanksgiving, and while leading the Detroit Lions running backs in snaps, he didn’t see many touches. Swift ran four times for 32 yards, catching two of three targets for only 7 yards in his return. Williams had the most touches out of the backfield, running 11 times for 22 yards and one touchdown, catching all three targets for 22 yards. -- Amon-Ra St. Brown led the depleted receiver room as expected, with KhaDarel Hodge and Trinity Benson next in line. St. Brown had himself another big day, catching eight balls for a career-high 111 yards and one touchdown, adding a 26-yard score on the ground.
mlive.comSnap counts: Lions RBs Jamaal Williams, Craig Reynolds nearly evenly split the reps in Week 16
Detroit Lions running back Jamaal Williams was back in the lineup for the first time in two weeks, joining the red-hot Craig Reynolds in the backfield. The Lions lost 20-16 to the Atlanta Falcons in Week 16, with two games left on the schedule. Reynolds wasn’t far behind, though, seeing 27 plays, maintaining his role after an impressive first two games of action. Williams ran 19 times for a season-high 77 yards, with a long of 14 yards, averaging 4.1 yards per attempt. He added 21 of his 29 yards after contact, catching three of four targets for 22 yards, with a long catch of 14 yards.
mlive.comDetroit Lions at Atlanta Falcons: Matchups to watch, key questions heading into Week 16
The Detroit Lions are headed south after the holidays, drawing the Atlanta Falcons in Week 16 action set for the day after Christmas. He’s run 37 times for 195 yards in two games off the practice squad, getting signed to the main roster this past week. Godwin Igwebuike has had the fumble struggles in recent weeks, while Jermar Jefferson hasn’t played double-digit snaps since Week 8. “Last couple weeks, he’s been unbelievable,” Taylor Decker said after last week’s win. Jalen Reeves-Maybin made his return to the lineup after a two-game absence last week, playing a season-high 72 defensive snaps.
mlive.comRB Craig Reynolds finally earns contract with 53-man roster after historic start in Detroit
DETROIT -- After a two-week trial, the Detroit Lions have decided to pay for their Netflix subscription. Reynolds’ late-season emergence has become one of the best stories of the year for the Lions. On just his third carry, Reynolds ripped through the Broncos’ defense and evaded two tacklers before getting tackled 35 yards downfield. That set up an early touchdown, which helped keep Detroit in the game until the second half, and Reynolds finished with a team-high 99 yards from scrimmage overall. You deserve the recognition, you deserve to play well because you’re running the hell out of the ball.
mlive.comSnap counts: Detroit Lions shine through continued shuffling with secondary, offensive line
DETROIT -- The Detroit Lions used efficient offense behind their sturdy line and stifling defense to beat the Arizona Cardinals 30-12 despite continued shuffling in Week 15. Decker has been lights-out in pass protection, while Sewell continues to play like one of the best right tackles in the business. Safety Will Harris had seen most of his recent work at nickelback, moving to outside cornerback for all 75 defensive snaps against Arizona. That led to C.J Moore and Dean Marlowe playing every defensive snap at safety, with Brady Breeze working into the rotation. Wright logged 75% of the snaps, with Shane Zylstra (29) and Cabinda seeing work.
mlive.comWatch a fired-up Dan Campbell celebrate Lions’ upset win against Cardinals: ‘Welcome to Detroit’
DETROIT -- Dan Campbell and the Detroit Lions are celebrating a victory for the second time in three weeks, riding an actual home winning streak with their 30-12 upset win against the Arizona Cardinals. In the video shared by the team, Campbell is seen addressing the team with quarterback Jared Goff behind the first-year coach. The Lions also swarmed Craig Reynolds, with the practice squad call-up running 26 times for 112 yards in his first start. It’s worth noting the Lions didn’t lose control after this win to the same degree they did after beating the Minnesota Vikings two weeks ago. Welcome to Detroit,” Campbell said.
mlive.comLions vs. Cardinals fantasy preview: Who to start, who to sit and sleepers to watch in Week 15
ALLEN PARK -- The Detroit Lions (1-11-1) should have some fantasy football eyes on them this weekend, with the NFC West-leading Arizona Cardinals (10-3) coming to town. Lions players to sit:Everybody else: Craig Reynolds, Godwin Igwebuike and Jermar Jefferson could have nice days, but it’s tough as heck to predict. Reynolds, fresh off the practice squad, ran 11 times for 83 yards last week. What to do with Lions players in the fantasy football playoffs:-- Hang onto D’Andre Swift. -- Keep Josh Reynolds and Brock Wright on fantasy football radars, but they aren’t worth an add just yet.
mlive.comOn another tough day for the Lions, the emergence of RB Craig ‘Netflix’ Reynolds stands out
DENVER -- Craig Reynolds hit the hole hard, then stiff-armed a linebacker and ran around a safety before finally getting hauled down from behind. But not before he picked up 35 tough yards for a Detroit Lions team that was already down 14-0. The running back room is trying to bring juice and energy to the team, and that’s what that was. Reynolds faced long odds of ever touching that football at all in Detroit. “I thought Craig ran hard,” head coach Dan Campbell said.
mlive.comSnap counts: Practice squad gets its day in the sun for short-handed Lions in blowout loss to Broncos
The Detroit Lions didn’t just elevate seven players from the practice squad for their trip to Denver. The veteran corner known for his work in the slot moved to outside cornerback for most of his 62 defensive plays. Reynolds was the most impressive performer off the practice squad, running 11 times for 83 yards, adding two receptions for 16 yards. Reynolds, who impressed during the preseason, has been stuck on the practice squad behind D’Andre Swift, Jamaal Williams, Godwin Igwebuike and Jermar Jefferson.. Moore saw 26 defensive plays, keeping his key role on special teams.
mlive.comInside the locker room: Dan Campbell focused on crucial fumble in loss to Broncos, not short-handed roster
Here’s what, you know what I think about honestly,” Lions coach Dan Campbell said when asked about the challenges of the previous week. It just, you know, wasn’t good enough.”Rookie Jermar Jefferson was active for this game but didn’t see the ball. I don’t know what else to do. “I don’t know. Like I said, I don’t think we’ll find anyone in this locker room that isn’t that way.
mlive.comHalftime analysis: Short-handed Lions hanging around despite losing Jerry Jacobs, Alex Anzalone
DENVER -- The Detroit Lions were favored to lose all their games before the start of the season, then dumped 22 players onto various inactive lists heading into their game on Sunday against the Broncos. With seven practice-squad players on the field for the worst team in the league, the Lions have no business being in this game. They were outgained 134 to minus-3 in the first quarter, while getting outscored 14-0 and losing defensive starters like Alex Anzalone and Jerry Jacobs along the way. But then it climbed back into the game, and trails just 17-10 heading into halftime at Empower Field. A day later, he scored a preseason touchdown before he even had a chance to introduce himself to Goff.
mlive.comStock report: Who’s trending up, who’s not for Detroit Lions ahead of final roster cuts
DETROIT -- The Detroit Lions put the bows on another winless preseason, falling to the Indianapolis Colts 27-17 in their exhibition finale. This post will run through players trending up and those not, heading into Tuesday’s final roster cuts. Trending upDetroit Lions running back Godwin Igwebuike (35) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during their NFL preseason game against the Indianapolis Colts at Ford Field in Detroit, on Friday, August 27, 2021. Detroit Lions wide receiver Quintez Cephus (87) scores a touchdown during their NFL preseason game against the Indianapolis Colts at Ford Field in Detroit, on Friday, August 27, 2021. Related stories:Instant observations: Detroit Lions go winless in preseason again, lose QB Tim Boyle to injury tooDetroit Lions lose 27-17 to Indianapolis Colts to finish preseason winless: Live updates recapWith roster cuts looming, Detroit Lions could lose QB Tim Boyle to thumb injury for ‘some time’
mlive.comGameday: Detroit Lions vs. Indianapolis Colts in preseason finale
It’s the last gameday that doesn’t matter in the standings, with the Detroit Lions hosting the Indianapolis Colts in Friday night’s preseason finale from Ford Field. The Athletic reports Colts coach Frank Reich spoke with Lions coach Dan Campbell about playing starters, with the Colts “backing off on their plans” to play them. Receiver job remains up for grabs heading into Lions’ preseason finale against ColtsDan Campbell has not been shy when saying he feels the receiver room is up for grabs. Risky business: Detroit Lions are reportedly the most-bet team to make the playoffsThe Detroit Lions, yes those Detroit Lions, are the most-bet NFL team to make the postseason this year per Bet MGM. Detroit Lions cut 5 players ahead of deadlineReceiver Darius Jennings, nose tackle P.J.
mlive.com5 bubble players to watch in Detroit Lions’ preseason finale against Colts
ALLEN PARK -- The Detroit Lions wrap up the preseason on Friday night against the Indianapolis Colts at Ford Field. The Lions have given him quality opportunities throughout the offseason to prove he belongs, and Tavai just hasn’t been able to do it. And a week later, “Netflix” scored again. Until the Lions called, he scored in each of their first two exhibitions and now leads them in rushing heading into the finale. Kennedy leads the Lions in receiving during the preseason, although his limitations on special teams could hurt his chances.
mlive.comDetroit Lions to use preseason finale to take long look at running back depth
ALLEN PARK -- The Detroit Lions have their one-two punch of D’Andre Swift and Jamaal Williams out of the backfield. Still, they continue to evaluate their running back depth ahead of the preseason finale and final roster cuts. A battle,” Lions running backs and assistant head coach Duce Staley said. This will be a big game for them.”The Lions and Colts are expected to rest their starters in Friday’s exhibition. “That third running back spot, it’s very competitive right now.”Reynolds came out of nowhere with his surprise push for a roster spot.
mlive.comLions RB Craig Reynolds making most of chances in surprise push for roster spot
ALLEN PARK -- Craig Reynolds has been one of the most productive running backs in the league through two preseason games, making the most of his limited looks on his surprise push to make the team’s roster. The Detroit Lions running back introduced himself to teammates in the huddle before scoring a touchdown in the exhibition opener against the Buffalo Bills, then ran five times for 29 yards and another touchdown in Pittsburgh. The team’s running back depth is something worth tracking over the next couple of weeks, with Lions coach Dan Campbell saying there remains some concern Swift could miss Week 1. “At the end of the day, football is football. He previously expressed desire in seeing more of Reynolds both out of the backfield and on special teams.
mlive.comHow to Watch the Detroit Lions vs. Pittsburgh Steelers (8/21/21) - NFL Preseason Week 2 | Channel, Stream, Time
After a rather odd, but disappointing outcome against the Buffalo Bills, the Detroit Lions look to fine tune their systems when they head a little east to take on the Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday night. The Lions fell in their preseason opener, 16-15, to the defending AFC East champion Buffalo Bills. Get your official Detroit Lions gear at FanaticsCheck out more stories about the Detroit Lions here on MLive. What: NFL Preseason FootballWho: Detroit Lions vs. Pittsburgh SteelersWhen: Saturday, August 21Time: 7:30 p.m. ETWhere: Heinz Field (Pittsburgh, Pa.)Channel: FOX, NFL NetworkStream: FuboTV (7-day free trial)
mlive.comD’Andre Swift still slowed by sore groin, expected to return to practice Tuesday
Now with training camp headed for the home stretch, they’re finally about to get a look at it. Starting running back D’Andre Swift is expected to return to practice on Tuesday evening, according to head coach Dan Campbell. Swift has been slowed by a sore groin that has held him out of the majority of team drills during camp. Now he’s been banged up for the majority of a second straight training camp. On Monday, he’ll finally get to practice with the team for the first time.
mlive.comDetroit Lions 53-man roster projection 1.0
DETROIT -- After 13 practices and a 16-14 loss to the Buffalo Bills in their preseason opener, the Lions’ roster is starting to take shape. Here’s betting the rookie wins the starting job in the slot, and becomes one of Jared Goff’s favorite targets this season. One other name to note: Tom Kennedy, who actually led Detroit in catches (four) and receiving yards (46) against Buffalo. Secondary (11)In: CB Jeff Okudah, CB Amani Oruwariye, CB Mike Ford, CB Ifeatu Melifonwu, CB Nickell Robey-Coleman, CB A.J. Parker, S Tracy Walker, S Will Harris, S Dean Marlowe, S C.J.
mlive.comSnap counts: Lions use 6 running backs with D’Andre Swift missing from preseason opener
DETROIT -- D’Andre Swift was held out of the preseason opener, with the Detroit Lions taking a good look at their new-look running back depth. The Lions used six different running backs in the 16-15 loss to the Buffalo Bills, with Jamaal Williams getting first-team work and a room-leading 22 snaps. He carried it, he’s thick, he’s in great shape.”Seventh-round rookie Jermar Jefferson was next in line with 11 snaps. Mills had 11 snaps, making an impact with a 20-yard run to convert on fourth down. Veteran Darren Fells wasn’t far behind Mack with 21 reps.Charlie Taumoepeau was next in line with 17 snaps.
mlive.comStock report: Who’s trending up, who’s not after Detroit Lions’ preseason opener
DETROIT -- The Detroit Lions lost their preseason opener 16-15 in the final minute to the Buffalo Bills. “Let me start with Strong, Strong everyday does something in practice that just shows up,” Lions coach Dan Campbell said. Trending downLine of scrimmage in the first half of an NFL preseason football game between the Buffalo Bills and the Detroit Lions , Friday, Aug. 13, 2021, in Detroit. Detroit Lions running back Jermar Jefferson makes a catch during the first half of a preseason NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills, Friday, Aug. 13, 2021, in Detroit. Mills and Reynolds brought it in the preseason opener, so it’ll be interesting to see how the rookie responds.
mlive.comRB Craig Reynolds scores Lions’ only TD just 1 day after tryout: ‘I introduced myself in the huddle’
Again, that’s understandable, because Reynolds didn’t even sign with the Lions until Thursday morning. Reynolds worked out for the Lions on short sleep, but was still good enough to earn a contract. I’ll know enough of this playbook, you can put me in there.’ During the game, I’m asking (running backs coach Duce Staley), ‘What can this guy do?’ (Staley said) ‘He’s pretty good. He’s pretty good, coach. He’s pretty good.
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