The Detroit Lions lose their final preseason contest of the year against the Buffalo Bills Thursday night, 27-17.
In their fourth and final game of the exhibition season, the Detroit Lions came up short against the Buffalo Bills Thursday night, losing 27-17. It was the second preseason loss in a row for Detroit, who were defeated last week by the New England Patriots.
Known lovingly as the Roster Bubble Bowl, the Lions’ fourth preseason contest is a showcase for fringe players looking to make one last case for making the Motor City’s final 53-man roster. None of Detroit’s starters participated in this matchup.
One player who took advantage of the extra time on the field is rookie running back Tion Green. The 6-foot-0, 220 pound undrafted runner out of Cincinnati rushed for 63 yards on eight carries. Green also four catches for 87 yards and a touchdown against the Bills. His highlights include an amazing 74-yard scoring reception (see below) and a solid 35-yard run. The 23-year old running back led the Lions in both rushing and receiving in this contest.
TION GREEN TO THE HOUSE!
— NFL (@NFL) September 1, 2017
74 yards. Wow. #DETvsBUF https://t.co/iOTsSUDP77
Rookie quarterback Brad Kaaya also had a nice night, completing 12 of his 20 passes for 182 yards, two touchdowns, one interception and a lost fumble. Kaaya was the Lions’ 2017 sixth round selection out of Miami (FL). Rookie wide out Dontez Ford caught one of those touchdowns through the air. Ford also posted three receptions for 31 yards.
On the defensive side of the ball, veteran linebacker Nick Bellore led he team with eight total tackles. Defensive tackle Derrick Lott and defensive back Charles Washington both had seven tackles each. And posting six tackles were rookie cornerback Teez Tabor and linebacker Steve Longa. The Lions’ 2017 fourth round selection, linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin, recorded four tackles as well as the team’s only sack.
Next: Detroit Lions - Most impressive home openers at Ford Field
Between now and Saturday, the Detroit Lions will release 37 players to cut down their roster from 90-men to 53. The next time Detroit plays, it will be in the regular season. The Lions will play against the Arizona Cardinals at Ford Field on Sunday, September 10th, at 1:00 p.m. ET.