Five Detroit Lions that roared against the Patriots

DETROIT, MI - AUGUST 25: Marvin Jones #11 of the Detroit Lions tries to make a second quarter catch while being defended by Eric Rowe #25 of the New England Patriots during a preseason game at Ford Field on August 25, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - AUGUST 25: Marvin Jones #11 of the Detroit Lions tries to make a second quarter catch while being defended by Eric Rowe #25 of the New England Patriots during a preseason game at Ford Field on August 25, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
2 of 6
DETROIT, MI – DECEMBER 11: Quarterback Matthew Stafford #9 of the Detroit Lions hands the football off to Dwayne Washington #36 agains the Chicago Bears during first quarter action at Ford Field on December 11, 2016 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI – DECEMBER 11: Quarterback Matthew Stafford #9 of the Detroit Lions hands the football off to Dwayne Washington #36 agains the Chicago Bears during first quarter action at Ford Field on December 11, 2016 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)

Dwayne Washington, Running Back

Anytime you score two touchdowns in a game, preseason or not, you’ve earned some press. Now, throw in the fact you’re rumored to be on the roster bubble, and that kind of a performance can be career-saving. I believe that’s the case for Lions’ running back Dwayne Washington.

With Ameer Abdullah, Theo Riddick and Zach Zenner all believed to be above him on the depth chart, Washington is battling free agent signee Matt Asiata and rookie Tion Green for a spot on Detroit’s active roster. With final cuts just a week away, Washington’s performance against the Patriots on Friday night might have swung the momentum in his favor.

Washington’s skill set was on display against New England as the former 2016 seventh rounder out of Washington scored once from the air and once on the ground. Although the 23-year old posted just 15 rushing yards on seven carries, his 18-yard touchdown reception was a two-yard outlet pass that Washington made happen with his legs. And his one-yard scoring punch-in put Detroit ahead in the game for the first time.

It’s clear the Dwayne Washington is a talented, versatile running back that came up big against the world champs and deserves a spot on the Detroit Lions roster this season.

Schedule