The Detroit Lions put a mark in the meaningless win column with a 21-16 victory over the New York Giants in the preseason opener at Ford Field on Friday night. But a win in certainly better than a loss, even in the preseason, and there were players who took advantage of the opportunity that was put in front of them.
So heading toward the second preseason game Saturday against the Jacksonville Jaguars, which will be preceded by another set of joint practices on Wednesday and Thursday, it's time for a fresh Lions' 53-man roster projection.
We can still confidently project a good chunk of who the Lions' final 53 heading into the season will be. It's the last handful or so of roster spots that are flexible, and subject to change, with the kicker battle as one where someone will outright lose a roster spot.
With one preseason game in the books, here's a new 53-man roster projection for the Lions.
Detroit Lions' 53-man roster projection after the preseason opener
Quarterbacks (2)
Jared Goff
Teddy Bridgewater
(Hendon Hooker-PUP)
There is no mystery here. But Nate Sudfeld's performance against the Giants only further locks Bridgewater into the No. 2 spot on the depth chart. It also pushed the idea the Lions would carry him as a healthy No. 3 quarterback, if they went that way, all but out the window.
Dan Campbell's tabbing this as a "redshirt year" for Hooker makes it all but sure the rookie signal caller starts the season on the PUP list.