The preseason is the preseason, so reading into certain snap counts or players' breakouts aren't always the most helpful way to provide analysis on the Detroit Lions.
Still, given the holes that they came into 2026 looking to fill with rookie talent, or low-cost free agent talent, it looks like Detroit's in a great spot to begin this season. They snagged a great win over the Washington Commanders in Week 2 of the preseason, and much of that was on the backs of players that could be on the roster bubble come the end of August.
Three specific Lions might've locked up a roster spot following the win, which is always nice to see with how little chances are of rookies making the 53-man roster barring them being a high pick that the team is investing a lot in.
3 Lions who might've locked down roster spots
Skyler Gill-Howard
Gill-Howard had a quarterback hit and a tackle for loss in Saturday's win, although his presence was basically felt anytime he had a sliver of a gap to barrel through. The Athletic's Colton Pouncy found the most apt description of Gill-Howard's game:
Skyler Gill-Howard every other play pic.twitter.com/zPKl0QKulP
— Colton Pouncy (@colton_pouncy) August 22, 2026
The barrelling tackle has a bit more strength and speed than you'd expect from a defensive tackle that's a little undersized. He's consistently winning preseason matchups against larger offensive linemen, and he's already shown that he will never give up on a play during the Lions' Week 1 loss to the Cincinnatti Bengals.
While Detroit's tackle room is at full strength headed into this season, Gill-Howard absolutely factors as a backup tackle worth investing in, especially for blitz packages and 3rd down situations.
Trayveon Williams
Williams might've locked up a spot for two reasons: one, he looked unstoppable on Saturday against the Commanders defense, and he notched one of the Lions' two touchdowns on the day to put a bow on his 10 carry, 36 rushing yard day.
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The other reason is that Jabari Small, who had been getting more reps to begin this game, landed in concussion protocol following the Lions' win according to Detroit Football Network's Justin Rogers.
That opens up an opportunity for Williams to rise up the depth chart at running back as the teams' RB2 competition is far from over. It feels unlikely that he could surpass someone like Jacob Saylors at this point, but he'd still be excellent insurance at the position and a potential weapon on special teams.
Jackson Meeks
Meeks has had an interesting offseason. The Lions began training the second year receiver as a tight end thanks to his larger frame and blocking capabilities, and he's obliged. He also appears to be in the running to be the teams' gunner on special teams. So, a Swiss army knife transformation has been expected of Meeks.
He certainly showcased his ability to be just that for Detroit in their win against the Commanders. He finished up with four receptions for 33 total yards, and a forced fumble to seal the victory for the Lions in the fourth quarter while in coverage against a punt return. Meeks could be the kind of large and imposing threat on special teams that Detroit needs after losing Grant Stuard in free agency.
With Sam LaPorta's injury status up in the air, as well, he has an opportunity to compete for a TE2 role where starting snaps may be expected of him to begin the year.
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