Detroit Lions: 5 players to watch against the Cleveland Browns
The Detroit Lions will play their final preseason game of the year on Thursday night against the Cleveland Browns. Here are five players we’ll be watching.
The Detroit Lions will be cutting down their roster from nearly 90 players to just 53 starting Friday. Every NFL team will have to hit the mandatory 53-man roster mark by Saturday afternoon. That means just over 40% of the players currently on every team’s roster will be unemployed in the next two days.
And for those fringe players looking to make one last impression before those cuts, the Lions last preseason game against the Cleveland Browns on Thursday night is their last chance to make their case for the final 53.
Here are five players we’ll be watching closely in the Lions’ final exhibition of the year.
Brandon Powell, WR
The undrafted wide receiver out of Flordia has been one of the rare bright spots for Detroit in the preseason. Having recorded 15 receptions for 99 yards through the first three games, and posting an impressive 80-yard punt return in Tampa last week, Brandon Powell has quickly become a fan favorite.
Despite his performance, it still unclear if the Lions will end up keeping Powell on their active roster. Another big game from the diminutive playmaker on Thursday night could force Detroit to make a place for him on their final 53.
Michael Roberts, TE
After being tabbed as a possible starter earlier this offseason, it’s hard to believe tight end Michael Roberts could now be on the roster bubble. Especially when you consider he was a fourth round selection just last year.
But consistent play from fellow tight end Hakeem Valles in the preseason could force the Lions to part ways with Roberts due to other roster needs. A big performance from the second-year tight end on Thursday night might change their minds.
Jake Rudock, QB
It appears third-year quarterback Jake Rudock has one final chance to prove he should be the primary backup to Matthew Stafford on the active roster. As of now, Rudock appears to be in a neck-and-neck race with the more experienced Matt Cassel. As a former New England Patriot, Cassel appears to be the odds on favorite to win the job unless Rudock can pull off a stellar performance Thursday night.
Eli Harold, LB
Following his trade from the San Francisco 49ers last week, linebacker Eli Harold will make his Lions debut Thursday night in the team’s final preseason contest against the Browns. Playing against deminished compeition, Harold could have a big first game in Detroit as the former third rounder could use the change of scenery to revive his NFL career.
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Kerryon Johnson, RB
The rookie running back has looked good in limited snaps, coming off the bench to spell veterans LeGarrette Blount and Ameer Abdullah. The Lions could look to give Kerryon Johnson his best opportunity to shine yet against the Browns’ fringe players. Detroit might also choose to hold the rookie out of the contest entirely to save him for the regular season. But if Johnson does get the nod, it could result in an offensive fireworks show.