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

Defensive Line/Edge Rushers (9)

• Aidan Hutchinson
• Alim McNeill
• Marcus Davenport
• DJ Reader
• Josh Paschal
• Mehki Wingo
• Brodric Martin
• Levi Onwuzurike
• Kyle Peko

The versatility of some of the Lions' defensive lineman, and Derrick Barnes getting some work in practice as an edge rusher, allows for going a little light on pure edge rushers here. Peko gets a spot based on familiarity with defensive line coach Terrell Williams, and he somewhat surprisingly didn't play against the Giants.

James Houston suffered a knee injury against the Giants, which may have impacted what was a lackluster performance compared to some others he's competing with (Isaac Uwku, Nate Lynn). But the effort to make him into a complete player is not going very well, pushing him toward the roster bubble fairly quickly.

Reader's status for Week 1 feels uncertain as he works his way back from a torn quad tendon. But if he's only going to miss a game, or maybe two, it won't make sense to put him on the PUP list and have him miss four games.

Linebackers (5)

• Alex Anzalone
• Jack Campbell
• Derrick Barnes
• Jalen Reeves-Maybin
• Malcolm Rodriguez

The Lions are in a good spot here, with five guys who could all take defensive snaps and perform well if necessary. Malik Jefferson and Ben Niemann both played well against the Giants, which may make this a conversation to keep six linebackers down the road.

Cornerbacks (6)

• Carlton Davis
• Terrion Arnold
• Amik Robertson
• Ennis Rakestraw
• Khalil Dorsey
• Steven Gilmore

Emmanuel Moseley's unfortunate injury opens up a spot here, and narrows the competition for a big role a bit. Robertson and Rakestraw both looked good against the Giants, with the rookie Rakestraw seeing lots of action after a strong run to start padded practices. Some roster projections elsewhere have Kindle Vildor in and Dorsey out or on the bubble, but I prefer Dorsey. Gilmore edges into the CB6 spot.

Safeties (5)

• Kerby Joseph
• Brian Branch
• Ifeatu Melifonwu
• C.J. Moore
• Brandon Joseph

Brandon Joseph had a nice interception against the Giants, as he continues to build his case for a roster spot. Frankly, the proverbial final spot in this 53-man projection went to him.

Specialists (3)

• PK Jake Bates
• P Jack Fox
• LS Scott Daly

Bates restored faith in him with a 53-yard field goal in adverse weather conditions against the Giants. Some might say his status is still tenuous, with a bad kickoff right after that field goal, and another kicker may be brought in to get through the rest of camp and the preseason. Daly will have to hold off undrafted rookie Hogan Hatten in the long snapper competition.