Detroit Lions: 53-man roster projection prior to preseason finale

Offensive Line

In: (9) Taylor Decker, Joe Dahl, Frank Ragnow, Graham Glasgow, Rick Wagner, Kenny Wiggins, Tyrell Crosby, Luke Bowanko, Beau Benzschawel

Out: Micah St. Andrew, Ryan Pope, Leo Koloamatangi, Oday Aboushi, Matt Nelson, Andrew Donnal

Rationale: Dahl seems to be on the precipice of solidifying his spot as the starter at left guard; if he doesn’t play tonight, we’ll have our answer. Ragnow’s injury doesn’t seem to be long term, but if he’s forced to miss a game or two, the Lions will need to carry an extra an extra interior player to begin the season. Bowanko wins out here, thanks to his experience.

Crosby returned to practice this week, and it’s a good thing he did. Donnal has looked like a serious liability in pass protection during the preseason. Wiggins sticks around for continuity and his versatility. He has repped at tackle in Crosby’s absence, in addition to his regular duties on the interior. He’s held up okay there too, and he keeps the Lions from having to retain a different unproven tackle.

Pope was signed as an undrafted free agent, in hopes that he could show some potential as a swing tackle. In limited snaps during the preseason, he hasn’t lived up to those expectations, and won’t make the roster.

Benzschawel got off to a rough start in camp, but has been steadily showing signs of improvement and would be a solid developmental prospect for the Lions. He secures a spot over the journeyman Aboushi. Benzschawel would likely remain inactive on most game days, but exposing him to waivers in hopes of stashing him on the practice squad would be risky. Keep a close eye on his play tonight.