The Detroit Lions' roster is mostly set, at least on paper. They have more playmakers on offense than the average team, and their defense, while still a work in progress, is shaping up pretty nicely in training camp.
That's great news for head coach Dan Campbell and his coaching staff, but not so much for some of the guys who may not have made a strong impression. The clock is ticking, and with two preseason games left, they may not have many more opportunities to do so.
Coach Campbell hinted at playing his starters in the preseason, unlike what he has done in previous years. Considering that, let's take a look at three Lions players who may need a miracle to save their spot on the roster.
3 Lions players who may not make it past roster-cut day
Josh Dobbs
With Teddy Bridgewater suddenly retiring shortly before the start of the season, the Lions broke the glass in case of emergency and turned to the good old Joshua Dobbs. A proven journeyman, he looked to have a fast track to be QB2 in this new stop of his career carousel, but that was before they got a glimpse of UDFA Luke Altmyer in the preseason.
Altmyer didn't necessarily light it up, but he played well enough to at least make this a debate. He's been there for longer, so he should have an edge in terms of understanding and ownership of the offense.
Dobbs is a proven commodity, so the Lions may not need to see that much from him, especially given that Jared Goff doesn't have a history of injuries or is at risk of losing his job. That said, he may have to step up in the next couple of weeks.
Sione Vaki
Sione Vaki's roster chances took a big hit when the Lions signed Isiah Pacheco earlier in free agency. He leaped past him in the pecking order as the likeliest candidate to take carries from Jahmyr Gibbs, and not even an injury changed that.
Vaki also got hurt and missed priceless reps. A former safety, he actually got most of his value from the special teams unit. Then, with the Lions adding Greg Dortch in free agency, he may not even be at the top of the pecking order there.
The Lions turned to Jacob Saylors in the preseason opener, and he looked sharp with 55 rushing yards on eight carries. Vaki was already a long shot to secure his spot, and that unfortunate injury didn't do him any favors. He's back, but he may have run out of time.
Miles Frazier
The Lions' offensive line is still a work in progress. Rookie Blake Miller might start at right tackle, with Penei Sewell moving to the other side of the line. Then, Christian Mahogany and Tate Ratledge might round things out in the interior once the injured Cade Mays returns.
Miles Frazier, however, didn't help his case against the Bengals. He was flagged for three holding penalties in the first half alone, and the fact that he can't seem to climb the depth chart despite the team's questions and injuries speaks volumes.
Perhaps Frazier can still live another day if the Lions choose to move Ratledge to center while Mays works his way back from injury. Otherwise, it's hard to make a case for him to stay on the team come September.
Add us as a preferred source on Google