Detroit Lions 53-man roster projection after the first preseason game

After their first preseason game, here’s an updated 53-man roster projection for the Detroit Lions.

The Detroit Lions suffered what passes for a heart-breaking loss in their first preseason game, losing on a late touchdown pass after a turnover that kept them from icing the game. But all was not lost, with plenty of positives to take out of the game.

The Lions will head to Indianapolis later this week for joint practices against the Colts. The second preseason game for both teams will follow on Saturday. How much key Lions’ players will play after what are sure to be two days of competitive sessions against the Colts is unclear, but some position battles will rage on.

After the first preseason game and moving toward the second, here’s a new 53-man roster projection for the Detroit Lions.

Detroit Lions 53-man roster projection after the first preseason game

Quarterbacks (2): Jared Goff, David Blough

Head coach Dan Campbell has left open the idea of carrying two quarterbacks on the 53-man roster. Against the Falcons Tim Boyle did little to make a case to be the No. 2 guy, while Blough was a little better and may have taken the lead.

The Lions could carry a third quarterback on the practice squad, rather than use up two 53-man roster spots.

Running backs (6): D’Andre Swift, Jamaal Williams, Craig Reynolds, Godwin Igwebuike, Jermar Jefferson, Justin Jackson

Reynolds has become the clear No. 3 running back for the Lions, so he has become the third lock here. Jefferson played ahead of Igwebuike and Jackson for offensive snaps against the Falcons. Campbell said he knows what he has in Igwebuike as a kickoff returner, and does not need to see it in the preseason.

I added Jackson as a sixth running back, but there’s plenty of possibilities with those final handful of roster spots.

Running roster count: 8