After an uninspiring start to the preseason with a 34-7 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game, the Detroit Lions are taking on the Atlanta Falcons on Friday for their next exhibition game. These games are obviously more about individual performances than they are about the results. So, Lions fans will be tuning in on Friday to see where some of their backup options and position battles are.
Head coach Dan Campbell isn't expected to play starters any meaningful reps against Atlanta. This will provide an opportunity for the Lions on the roster bubble to step up and make a strong argument for a roster spot. With a handful of spots still up for grabs on the 53-man roster, the Lions' backups have a ton to prove on Friday.
Giovanni Manu Is Playing for His Job in Lions' 2nd Preseason Game
Among them is Detroit's fourth-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, Giovanni Manu. The 24-year-old offensive lineman wasn't able to see the field as a rookie and isn't off to a good start in the offseason. There have been plenty of reports about his summer struggles, and Dan Campbell recently admitted that Manu had "more downs than ups" in training camp. He then added that Manu's HOF Game performance was better.
That is why the Falcons game presents an excellent chance for the Tongan offensive lineman to build up some momentum.
The Lions only have four offensive tackles healthy on the roster ahead of Friday: Manu, Penei Sewell, Mason Miller, and Justin Herron. It's safe to assume that Sewell will not be playing at all, leaving only three tackles to play the entire game. The Lions could use other offensive linemen like Colby Sorsdal to play tackle, but Manu will get plenty of reps, regardless.
When Detroit drafted Manu, the organization and the fanbase knew that he was a developmental project. His physical and athletic tools were intriguing, but he was considered to be a raw prospect who would need time to develop into an NFL-caliber offensive lineman. Manu hasn't shown enough flashes so far to prove that he is on the trajectory to become a rotation player in the NFL.
Manu has three more preseason games to show that he is on the right path. The Lions have Sorsdal and Jamarco Jones on the offensive line, who are competing with Manu for a roster spot. As things stand now, Manu likely has the edge over them with his upside, but if he can't demonstrate more flashes over the next few weeks, he could very well be the odd man out.