The Detroit Lions will make their preseason debut this Thursday night against the New England Patriots. Here are five players we’ll be watching closely.
The Detroit Lions are currently in joint practices with the New England Patriots. That’s all leading up to their mutual preseason debut on Thursday night at Ford Field. For fans of the Pride, this will be the first time they’ll be able to see the Lions’ new draft class, as well as some big-name free agent adds, in action.
Here are five players we’ll be watching during the Lions’ first preseason game very closely …
T.J. Hockenson, TE
The Lions’ highly-touted first-round selection will make his debut this Thursday against the Patriots. Hockenson has been putting on an aerial display as a receiver in training camp. And fans can only hope that translates to the first preseason game as an early touchdown or two would send the hype train into overdrive.
Travis Fulgham, WR
Undrafted out of Old Dominion, Fulgham got extra work this offseason with both Kenny Golladay and Marvin Jones Jr. sidelined early on. The rookie has been putting in extra effort after practice as well to try and get up to speed quickly. And it appears to be paying off as the Lions are giving him every opportunity to land a spot on the final-53. But Fulgham needs a strong performance in the preseason to avoid the practice squad.
Ty Johnson, RB
The rookie rusher’s blazing speed was an eye-opener this offseason. And his presence will likely help the Lions move on from having Theo Riddick in the backfield. Although Johnson had some struggles on Monday, including a dropped pass and a fumble, his playmaking ability could show up on a big play or two in the preseason.
Andrew Adams, S
The free-agent signing formerly of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers apparently racked up his fourth interception (at least) of training camp on Monday, getting a pick off a backup quarterback for the Pats during the first day of joint practices. The 26-year-old Adam posted 38 tackles, nine pass defends and four interceptions last season in Tampa Bay. The Lions need more takeaways, perhaps Adams is the answer.
Jahlani Tavai, LB
Mystery surrounded the second-round selection out of Hawaii during the draft due to the fact the young linebacker wasn’t on the radar. But Tavai’s size is impressive and he did have an early interception go viral. This will be the first chance for most fans to lay eyes on the second-rounder. And Tavai has an opportunity to impress the Motor City fanbase early with some solid play.