Detroit Lions 53-man roster projection after first week of training camp

The Detroit Lions have now had four training camp practices, with a noted uptick in intensity here and there as the days have gone on. They have not had full pads on yet, or more than "shells" during the early ramp up period. At the very least, the first four practices have been highly competitive sessions befitting a team with high expectations and Super Bowl aspirations.

On Monday, the Lions will have their first padded practice of this year's training camp. That advancement to full contact also naturally increases injury risk for players, but significant injuries will ideally be avoided.

There truly aren't that many spots on the Lions' roster that feel openly available. Of the 53 players who will be on the roster going into the season, we can pencil in like 45 and probably end up correct in a little over a month.

Updating our pre-training camp projection, here's a fresh 53-man roster projection for the Lions after the first week of training camp (and hours before the first padded practice).

Detroit Lions 53-man roster projection before the first padded practice of training camp

Quarterbacks (3)

• Jared Goff
• Hendon Hooker
• Nate Sudfeld

Dan Campbell's profession of an equal competition between Hooker and Sudfeld for the No. 2 spot on the depth chart, and at least one noted chronicle of a rough day for Hooker on the last day of the first week of practice, opens the door for the Lions to keep three quarterbacks on the 53-man roster. If Hooker can't clearly beat out Sudfeld for the job as things ramp up, with padded practice, joint practices against the Giants and preseason games, that could become a thing in regard to the backup quarterback situation.