The Detroit Lions continue to tune things up ahead of the season opener. Their starters are mostly set and, barring a major surprise or an injury, they just need to figure out answers at a couple of positions.
Standing out in such a stacked team can be quite challenging. On the flip side, the bar is particularly high, so every mistake is often more noticeable. That spells trouble for some of the guys who had a tough evening in the win over the Washington Commanders.
While the team looked mostly good, this was about much more than the outcome. Considering that, let's take a look at the three Lions players who hurt themselves the most with their performance in Week 2 of the preseason.
3 Lions players who didn't do themselves any favors in Week 2
Isaac TeSlaa
While Isaac TeSlaa will definitely make the roster, he's in serious danger of losing his starting spot right now. He's struggled in training camp and looked like a deer in headlights in Week 1, only to be a non-factor again in the win over the Commanders.
The Lions' athletic freak didn't draw a single target in 27 offensive snaps on Saturday. That was the last thing he needed after dropping two passes vs. the Cincinnati Bengals, especially with Cedrick Wilson Jr. and Greg Dortch looking for an expanded role.
TeSlaa's physical tools are impressive, and he's already shown what he can do when he gets involved. However, it also looks like he's struggling to cope with the sky-high expectations after a largely quiet rookie campaign.
Keith Abney II
The Lions' cornerback situation is reaching crisis status, so Day 2 rookie Keith Abney II looked like a strong candidate to start right out of the gate. That might still be the case, but he looked extremely raw against the Commanders.
The undersized Abney started in the slot, and he didn't do much to help his case over the veteran Roger McCreary. He gave up three receptions for 56 yards and was flagged for a head-scratching holding call.
Like TeSlaa, there's no doubt that Abney will make the team's roster and will definitely have some sort of role. That said, he might be far behind in his development, and the Lions might be forced to look for outside help.
Josh Dobbs
Josh Dobbs is the ultimate journeyman, so it made perfect sense to bring him in after Teddy Bridgewater's shocking retirement. Somewhat surprisingly, he's struggled to get a hold of Drew Petzing's offense.
For the second consecutive game, the Lions' offense marched much more smoothly with undrafted free agent Luke Altmyer at the helm. Not only that, but Dobbs' self-inflicted wounds nearly cost the team in this one.
The veteran signal-caller fumbled the ball early in the game and then threw an interception. With Altmyer trending up and potentially running out of time to catch up, Dobbs is now a long shot to make the 53-man roster.
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