Detroit, MI
Lions’ 53-Man Roster Projection: Isaiah Williams Presents Dilemma
The Detroit Lions have completed two preseason games, and the regular season is on the horizon.
In time, the Lions will have to trim their roster down to it’s final 53-man form. With the plethora in talent on the roster, coach Dan Campbell will face some tough decisions and talented players will be forced to be left off.
The Lions have plenty of options to fill out their practice squad with players who are left off, though those players may likely have options elsewhere across the league.
Here’s the latest prediction for the Lions’ final 53-man roster.
Quarterback (2)
In: Jared Goff, Hendon Hooker
Out: Nate Sudfeld
Hooker’s performance throughout the second half was more in line with what the Lions are hoping to see from their backup quarterback. While the Tennessee product still made his share of mistakes, he hit on 12-of-13 passes after opening 0-for-2.
His mobility brings an intriguing aspect as well, and he showed he has what it takes to pilot the offense efficiently. If it shakes out this way, Sudfeld would be a candidate to return on the practice squad and be a part of the quarterback room to mentor the young passer.
Running backs (4)
In: David Montgomery, Jahmyr Gibbs, Craig Reynolds, Sione Vaki
Out: Zonovan Knight, Jermar Jefferson, Jake Funk
The running back position is a deep one for the Lions. Montgomery and Gibbs give them a solid 1-2 punch, and all the options on the roster are capable ones.
Vaki has had an exciting preseason to this point, and Reynolds is the veteran option that will be tough to beat out based on his understanding of the offense and ability to contribute in a pinch. Still, Knight, Jefferson and Funk all are capable options who could be assets on the practice squad.
Wide receivers (6)
In: Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, Kalif Raymond, Donovan Peoples-Jones, Kaden Davis, Isaiah Williams
Out: Maurice Alexander, Jalon Calhoun, Daurice Fountain, Tom Kennedy
Injured: Tre’Quan Smith
Isaiah Williams has made a very compelling case to make the roster. He has dynamic playmaking ability and offers return versatility. However, where he runs into trouble when it comes to ending up on the final 53-man is that all of his roles are currently occupied by Raymond.
With Raymond being a safe bet to make the team, the Lions could elect to leave Williams off with hopes he makes it to the practice squad. However, there’s plenty of upside with him and it could be wise to stash him on the roster in case of injury.
Davis also helped his cause with a 61-yard touchdown Saturday. As of now, he’s out-performed Fountain in game action and could help to be a vertical threat.
It’s also worth wondering whether the Lions will peruse the market to find another receiver following final cuts.
Tight ends (4)
In: Sam LaPorta, Brock Wright, James Mitchell, Shane Zylstra
Out: Sean McKeon, Parker Hesse
The Lions could still go a variety of ways at this position. After LaPorta and Wright, the other spots are up for grabs. I’m choosing to keep both Mitchell and Zylstra, as both can serve a purpose within all of the Lions’ different personnel packages.
McKeon and Hesse are both veteran options who are block-first players. As a result, each has a case to make the team in the fullback role. Still, Zylstra has done some of that in the past and has the athleticism to be a legitimate threat in the passing game.
Offensive linemen (9)
In: Frank Ragnow, Graham Glasgow, Kevin Zeitler, Taylor Decker, Penei Sewell, Colby Sorsdal, Giovanni Manu, Dan Skipper, Kingsley Eguakun
Out: Christian Mahogany, Michael Niese, Kayode Awosika, Jake Burton, Duke Clemens, Bryan Hudson, Jamarco Jones
Injured reserve: Netane Muti
The lone change from the previous prediction is to keep Eguakun and cut Mahogany, Detroit’s sixth-round pick this year. Mahogany is back in the building, but his time away has created an uphill climb for him to make the roster with all the depth the team has up front.
Eguakun is an intriguing undrafted free agent who has played center for the bulk of the two preseason games. The Florida product has flashed intriguing potential and could have some interior flexibility that would make him an asset.
There are several players, such as Mahogany, Niese, Awosika and Jones, who could make pushes for roster spots in the final two weeks leading up to final cuts.
Defensive linemen (6)
In: Alim McNeill, DJ Reader, Brodric Martin, Mekhi Wingo, Levi Onwuzurike, Kyle Peko
Out: Chris Smith
Injured: David Bada
The interior seems pretty set defensively, with Reader being the biggest question mark for health reasons. His status for Week 1 remains in doubt, and the Lions may be forced to roll with either Peko or Martin as the primary nose tackle should Reader not be ready.
McNeill appears primed for a big season, and Wingo has impressed the staff with his aptitude as a rookie. Nobody has had a bigger camp than Onwuzurike from a momentum perspective, and the prospect of what he can bring to the table is intriguing.
Defensive end (5)
In: Aidan Hutchinson, Marcus Davenport, Josh Paschal, James Houston, Mitchell Agude
Out: Mathieu Betts, Pat O’Connor, Isaac Ukwu
Injured: John Cominsky, Nate Lynn
Houston is sliding back to the edge full time, which gives him the potential to be a real threat in the pass-rush. Davenport and Paschal will likely handle most of the run defense, while Houston will likely begin the year as a rusher first with the ability to stop the run.
Agude has had a strong camp and that translated to a good showing in the second preseason game. Ukwu has also been solid and has had a sack in each of the first two preseason outings.
Linebacker (5)
In: Jack Campbell, Alex Anzalone, Derrick Barnes, Malcolm Rodriguez, Jalen Reeves-Maybin
Out: Malik Jefferson, Ben Niemann, Ty Summers, Abraham Beauplan
The Lions’ linebacker depth is in a good place, but injuries have necessitated bringing on veterans such as Jefferson and Summers. These veterans have legitimate experience, which would make them helpful particularly on special teams.
Because of this, it would be less than surprising for Detroit to go heavier at this position. Niemann has been solid through the first two weeks of preseason, and Beauplan had two tackles for loss in his Lions’ debut. Linebackers coach Kelvin Sheppard has plenty of options.
Cornerback (5)
In: Carlton Davis, Terrion Arnold, Amik Robertson, Ennis Rakestraw, Khalil Dorsey
Out: Kindle Vildor, Steven Gilmore, Essang Bassey, Javelin Guidry
Injured: Emmanuel Moseley
With the first four spots likely locked in, there could only be one spot available for the competitors at this position. Right now, the advantage leans with Dorsey due to his upside and special teams ability. Both Dorsey and Vildor have had strong weeks that translated to their opportunity against the Chiefs.
Gilmore still has upside as well, but he played a smaller role against the Chiefs and struggled in coverage, allowing an eventual touchdown when he tried to undercut a route that he was behind. Bassey and Guidry are depth additions who just joined the organization this week.
Safety (4)
In: Kerby Joseph, Brian Branch, Ifeatu Melifonwu, Brandon Joseph
Out: C.J. Moore, Loren Strickland
One of the tougher decisions when it comes to final cuts could come at this position. Moore is a veteran whom the staff is familiar with and has contributed on special teams plenty during his career, while Joseph has had a solid camp and is proving to be a turnover artist.
Joseph had an interception in the preseason opener and forced a fumble in Week 2. The Notre Dame product has excellent instincts and plenty of scheme familiarity in his second year with the organization.
Strickland also isn’t going away quietly, as he’s stood out with his physicality and toughness.
Specialists (3)
In: Jake Bates (K), Jack Fox (P), Scott Daly (LS)
Out: Hogan Hatten
Hatten’s athleticism gives him an intriguing case to make the roster, and the long-snapper competition is likely far from over. He snapped on Saturday, and also got snaps at linebacker in the preseason opener.
The Idaho product will have a case, but the Lions had Daly snapping with the game on the line in Saturday’s game, so he gets the edge for now.
Detroit, MI
Detroit fan takes Lions pride to new level with tattoo
DETROIT (WXYZ) — We all know Detroit has plenty of lifelong Lions fans, but some choose to make their pride permanent.
Matt Pauli learned a little about what it means to have skin in the game.
“I decided it was about time for me to get something to represent the Lions,” Pauli said.
After the Lions’ recent win streak, he decided to pay Tatt Ma’am Tattoos in Mount Clemens a visit.
Tattoo artist Danielle Trump says she came up with the idea after seeing the viral can of Dan Campbell soup online.
“We are just in awe over Dan Campbell and what he’s helped the Lions accomplish,” Trump said.
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CultureDet’s flaming Detroit Lions shirts catching eyes of fans and players
The tattoo artist of 15 years just opened up her own shop in Mount Clemens just under a year ago. She’s done plenty of Detroit sports tattoos.
“This one definitely has to take the top spot,” Trump said. “The spirit of the Lions — whether we’re winning whether we’re losing — our fan base is hard core, you know, ride or die.”
The team’s grit has also inspired Pauli to get through a new phase in life: living on his own. He’s had more than 30 surgeries and lived with Crouzon syndrome, a genetic disorder.
“Throughout my life, I’ve been through so much hardship, so much disappointment, so much grief,” Pauli said. “I’ve been trying to venture out and find my life.”
He says he’s never missed a game and doesn’t plan to, win or lose.
Detroit, MI
Would Jimmy Butler Be Open to Joining Detroit Pistons?
In a scenario where the Detroit Pistons decide to roll the dice on a win-now acquisition through the trade market, the Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler could be an option.
When Butler’s name initially reached the trade rumor mill, it was suggested there were only a handful of teams he was open to playing for. To no surprise, the Pistons were not on that list.
After a Heat loss to the Indiana Pacers on Thursday night, Butler was straightforward about where he’s at mentally while playing for the Heat. The All-Star wants out.
“I want to see me get my joy back from playing basketball,” Butler told reporters. “Wherever that may be, we’ll find out here pretty soon, but I want to get my joy back. I’m happy here off the court, but I want to be back to someone dominant, I want to hoop, and I want to help this team win. Right now, I’m not doing that.”
Where is he willing to go? Apparently, anywhere else.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Butler officially requested a trade this week. Unlike most stars today, Butler does not have a list of preferred destinations to put in front of Miami’s decision-makers.
“He is open to playing anywhere other than Miami and believes he can make any team a contender, no matter where he is moved,” Charania reports.
It appears that Butler would be open to joining the Pistons—along with 28 other teams.
Acquiring a star player while hovering around the Play-In would be a gamble for Detroit.
Landing a star player, who is likely a half-season rental at this point, would be like playing the lottery.
Butler’s experience and skillset would undoubtedly help the young team’s potential postseason push, especially with Cade Cunningham’s co-star Jaden Ivey suffering a long-term injury earlier this week.
But the Pistons have to keep reality in check. They might be ready for the playoffs, but they aren’t a Butler away from landing in championship contention.
Weeks ago, it was made clear that Butler has intentions of declining his looming player option for next season this summer so he can become a free agent and reset his own market.
According to Charania, the situation remains the same.
“Teams have been informed that Butler intends to decline his 2025-26 player option and become a free agent in July, sources said.”
If the Pistons want Butler bad enough, they can pursue him next summer without giving up any assets now. Seeing as though Trajan Langdon isn’t in a championship-or-bust position with his job, the Pistons will continue operating like a team more on the rebuilding side.
With that said Butler is still a name to keep an eye on. While the Pistons might not join his current trade market, his recent request could shake up the Eastern Conference.
Detroit, MI
Michiganders speak on public safety following attack in New Orleans
(CBS DETROIT) — Many people have been sharing their anxieties about going to crowded public places after what happened in New Orleans, but some say they are not going to let it stop them from living.
“We need to live life not in fear but to live for today,” said Sandy Zedgomba from Windsor.
Whether it be the suspected terror attack in New Orleans just a few days ago or any of the other violent attacks Americans faced at places of worship or places of entertainment, or even just the street in recent years, it has created a fear of going out in public for many.
“It is definitely a possibility, there’s always a percentage someone will come and do something,” said Hunter Pitera from Grosse Pointe.
For some people, the feeling was they couldn’t stop leaving home and doing things that make them happy.
“I think that it’s really important to live while you have life, so I’ll try to be as mindful as possible about what is going on around me but also taking an opportunity to still live while I have some life,” said Courtney Wise Randolph from Detroit.
“I think we should live our life to the fullest and not worry about some crazy person somewhere. Sorry about what happened to all the people there. It’s really sad, but we have to live our life, Said Moobark from Florida said.
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said Thursday the United States won’t allow an “atmosphere of fear” to prevail after the deadly terror attack in New Orleans.
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