Projecting the Lions’ offense after first preseason game

Despite losing 27-23 to the Atlanta Falcons, there was a lot to like about this young Detroit Lions squad in their first matchup of the preseason.

The final scores of preseason games are nothing to get too hung up on. Instead, we look to which players shined and how those players were used on the field.

The Lions have two more preseason games to play, but the first game already gave us a preview of what their depth chart may look like. If the season were to start today, here’s how the offense of their 53-man roster might shape out:

Quarterback (2)

In: Jared Goff, David Blough

Out: Tim Boyle

Theres no question that Goff will be the day-one starter for the Lions. What is still yet to be answered is who will back him up and how many quarterbacks the team might keep.

The jury’s still out on whether the team will keep two or three quarterbacks this season, but Blough’s performance on Friday surely didn’t hurt his case for being the next best option behind Goff.

Running back (5)

In: D’Andre Swift, Jamaal Williams, Craig Reynolds, Jermar Jefferson, Jason Cabinda (FB)

Out: Godwin Igwebuike, Justin Jackson

IR: Greg Bell

There’s realistically only one spot open and that is the fourth running back option. As of now, 2021 seventh-round pick Jermar Jefferson seems to have a hold on that spot over Igwebuike and Jackson.

All told, none of the three had spectacular outings against Atlanta, but Jefferson did take the field earlier than the other two, which may signal that he has surpassed them on the depth chart.

Igwebuike’s roster spot was greatly attributed to his special teams abilities. Between adding more competition for the return specialists and his fumbling issue last season, his job is now in jeopardy. He could be a candidate for the practice squad if he is not picked up by another team.

Cabinda is currently on the PUP list but should claim a roster spot once he’s activated.

Wide receiver (6)

In: Amon-Ra St. Brown, Josh Reynolds, DJ Chark, Kalif Raymond, Trinity Benson, Tom Kennedy

Out: Quintez Cephus, Kalil Pimpleton, Josh Johnson, Maurice Alexander

NFI: Jameson Williams

There’s little doubt that Dan Campbell and his staff would keep all of these players on the roster if they could.

Against Atlanta, Tom Kennedy was both Boyle and Blough’s go-to guy and racked up eight receptions for 104 yards in the process. Simply being healthy and available gives him priority over Quintez Cephus, who did not play in Friday’s preseason…