Detroit Lions 53-man roster projection after preseason Week 1

Running Backs (5)
David Montgomery
Jahmyr Gibbs
Craig Reynolds
Benny Snell
Jason Cabinda

The sudden retirement of Justin Jackson makes the battle for spots behind Montgomery and Gibbs more wide open than it already was. Devine Ozigbo (11 carries for 31 yards) and fellow new addition Snell (six carries for 23 yards) saw solid amounts of immediate action aainst the Giants, as easily expected. Giving Snell the nod here right now, in deference to his becoming a prominent special teamer for the Steelers over the last couple years.

Wide Receivers (6)
Amon-Ra St. Brown
Kalif Raymond
Marvin Jones
Josh Reynolds
Dylan Drummond
Denzel Mims
(Jameson Williams-suspended)

The top four here are roster locks, barring something completely unforeseen that would go beyond a major injury. Williams' six-game suspension to start the season opens a spot for someone to grab a spot on the 53. Fellow UDFA Chase Cota may be coming for Drummond after a good performance against New York, but Drummond's body of work in camp gives him the edge here.

Tight Ends (3)
Sam LaPorta
James Mitchell
Brock Wright

Same as it was heading into the preseason opener, the drama left here when Shane Zylstra left the practice field with a major knee injury. But Mitchell' showing against the Giants may have him start to push Wright for the TE2 spot.

Offensive Line (9)
Taylor Decker
Penei Sewell
Frank Ragnow
Jonah Jackson
Graham Glasgow
Halapoulivaati Vaitai
Colby Sorsdal
Bobby Hart
Kayode Awosika
Note: The original projection had Ross Pierschbacher in, but he was injured against New York and the Lions released him with an injury settlement on Sunday.

Matt Nelson's rough showing against the Giants leaves him vulnerable to losing what once looked like a locked-in spot as the Lions' primary backup tackle. Germain Ifedi is a natural beneficiary of that, but the versatility and experience the recently-added Hart provides gets him the spot.