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

Cornerbacks (6): Amani Oruwariye, Jeff Okudah, Will Harris, Mike Hughes, AJ Parker, Chase Lucas

The news is positive on Jerry Jacobs (ACL), but he’s only about eight months removed from his torn ACL and may start the season on the PUP list.

After Oruwariye, Okudah and Harris as the locks to make the final 53, Hughes, Parker and rookie seventh-rounder Lucas make the cut here for me. If Jacobs is deemed good to go in time, Lucas becomes a practice squad candidate if another team doesn’t grab him.

Safeties (5): Tracy Walker, DeShon Elliott, Kerby Joseph, Ifeatu Melifonwu, C.J. Moore

Elliott is lined up to start opposite Walker. Joseph is a promising rookie who was noted by Campbell for his performance against the Falcons, while Melifonwu has made a transition to safety but could still add value as a cornerback option in a pinch. Moore’s value is tied to special teams, which gives him the nod over others elsewhere for what could be considered a final spot if you were counting 1-53.

Specialists (3): PK Austin Siebert, P Jack Fox, LS Scott Daly

Seibert appears to have an edge over Riley Patterson in the Lions’ kicking battle, which may last through all three preseason games. Daly is locked into his role as the long-snapper, as is Fox–one of the best punters in the league.

Final roster count: 53