The wait is finally over. In just a matter of hours, the Detroit Lions will take the field to play an actual NFL game for the first time in months. This time, after such a disappointing campaign, the standard will be higher, and the margin for error will be much smaller.
That means those who barely made the 53-man roster won't get much wiggle room to prove their worth. That also leaves the door open for players looking to carve out a bigger role for themselves or avoid demotion.
Considering that, and knowing that the New Orleans Saints will be a much tougher opponent than some want to admit, let's take a look at the three Detroit Lions players who must put up or shut up in the season opener.
3 Detroit Lions who must ball out in Week 1
Avonte Maddox
While there's no reason to believe the Lions aren't fully satisfied with Avonte Maddox, he's looking at a golden opportunity to make a case for himself here. He's listed as the starter now, but that can change once Brian Branch is healthy again.
The Lions have already spent big bucks on multiple extensions this offseason, and all signs point to Sam LaPorta being next on the list. As such, the injured Brian Branch might, unfortunately, be the odd man out.
Maddox can make Branch's eventual departure less traumatic for Kelvin Sheppard's defense. If he gets off to a strong start to the campaign, the Lions might feel much more comfortable cutting ties with their veteran safety.
Isaac TeSlaa
Isaac TeSlaa went from being one of the most hyped players in the league in his first preseason to being one of the biggest disappointments in his second one. It was the right time to make mistakes, but it was ugly.
Most fans and analysts expected, and some still do, Isaac TeSlaa to break out after some impressive performances in a very limited role as a rookie. Thus far, that definitely hasn't been the case.
The Lions have a clear pecking order with Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams, so TeSlaa must make the most of whatever opportunity he gets with Drew Petzing calling the shots. The talent and athleticism are there, but maybe he has to get out of his own head.
Sione Vaki
Sione Vaki barely snuck his way onto the 53-man roster, but plenty of that may have had to do with Isiah Pacheco's string of injuries. He missed time, too, and with Jacob Saylors looking great in the preseason, he's not even a lock as a placeholder RB2.
Saylors also brings more value to the table as a kick returner. And with Jahmyr Gibbs set to take a huge workload from the jump, there won't be that many touches for Vaki to prove that he's more than just an afterthought.
The Lions have some serious depth concerns at running back, especially if Pacheco's injury lingers. Vaki has to make the most of his limited chances to show them they don't need to scour the market for something they already have in the building.
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