Detroit Lions bubble watch: Last 5 in, first 5 out after 3rd preseason game

First 5 out

Sean McGrath: McGrath was very unlikely to make the roster, to begin with. Especially with Valles stepping up, he was the last man on the totem pole with the tight ends. McGrath has barely even seen the field much this preseason even on special teams. With him only logging six special teams snaps and none on offense the last game, his fate is sealed.

Brian Mihalik: Because of injuries and poor performances, Mihalik was on the active roster through the majority of last season. The tables have completely turned this year. The Lions drafted Tyrell Crosby and with Corey Robinson finally healthy, it leaves Mihalik fighting for a spot. Looks like the cards have been written for him. He saw zero snaps the last game while Crosby and Robinson both saw 39 snaps. Even if he ends the preseason on a high note, I don’t think he makes the roster.

Toby Johnson: If you asked anyone at the start of the preseason, Johnson was going to make a case for a roster spot at nose tackle this year. Looks like though the Lions are comfortable rolling with Sylvester Williams as the lone nose tackle. Johnson did not log any snaps against the Bucs. Da’Shawn Hand reps have increased and Kerry Hyder looks to have recovered nicely from his injury making Johnson expendable.

Jace Billingsley: Majority of the Lions fan base has been waiting to see Billingsley make the final roster. Some thought this was his year, but looks like they will stay waiting. With an already set receiving corps and the emergence of Brandon Powell, Billingsley has fallen down the depth charts. He has missed some practice time and he didn’t see the field against the Bucs. With Billingsley and Powell playing the same position, the cards are not spelling well for Billingsley.

Freddie Bishop: Bishop surprisingly has had a strong camp. Early on, there were talks that he might make the roster. It was more due to the lack of depth in the linebacker corps than his actual play. With Alex Barrett continuing his hold on the as Kennard’s backup, it was going to tough for him to see the field anyway. When the Lions traded for Eli Harold, Bishop became the odd man out.

The fourth preseason game we usually won’t see the starters. This will give a chance for those roster bubble players to make a final impression on the coaches. Keep your eyes on those players and see they can step up and make a push for a final roster spot.