Cutdown day is right around the corner, and for the Lions, the final preseason game against the Indianapolis Colts could tell us a lot about who survives the August 30 roster trim.
That last look before the deadline has already produced a few names that have pushed their way into the conversation. Detroit’s quiet offseason drew some early grumbling, but the camp and preseason work has pointed in a different direction. The Lions may have been sharper than they were given credit for, and a few late risers have made that case loud and clear.
Skyler Gill-Howard is one of the biggest examples. The 6th-round pick out of Texas Tech was supposed to be little more than a practice squad type, according to draft expert Lance Zierlein. Instead, he has climbed the depth chart and looks like a real backup defensive tackle option.
That matters for a Detroit defense that values exactly what Gill-Howard brings: run defense and power as a bull rusher. Those are traits the Lions already lean on with veteran Alim McNeill, who is expected to start on the line this year.
Having another interior defender with a similar skill set gives Detroit a possible third-down or blitz-package answer, and it has helped turn Gill-Howard into one of camp’s best stories. He looks likely to make the roster.
Jacob Saylors has also done enough to force the issue. He may have to fend off Kareem Hunt in the final week of camp - which, why? - but Saylors has made a strong case that he belongs as Detroit’s RB3. He can also help as a returner, though special teams coordinator Dave Fipp could still prefer Tom Kenndy or Greg Dortch.
Saylors has followed up a solid preseason in 2025 with another one in 2026, and it’s tough to picture him being beaten out for a backup role behind Jahmyr Gibbs or Isiah Pacheco. The only real wrinkle is Pacheco’s availability to open the season, which may be why the Lions brought in Hunt. Even so, Saylors has earned trust, and the team should be comfortable handing him the temporary load if needed.
Roger McCreary is the third name on the rise. His camp started slowly, but he has worked his way up to the third-highest graded cornerback in preseason play so far. That’s not easy to overlook for a Lions team still sorting out its starting nickel job and looking for a versatile piece who can plug holes in the secondary.
Dan Campbell added another layer to that competition on Tuesday, telling reporters the team might not even settle on one “starting” slot corner. Instead, Detroit could rotate based on the matchup.
That only helps McCreary’s case. One more strong preseason outing could lock him in as a swing corner on the roster.
In Other News...
Lions Backup QB Battle Just Took An Interesting Turn
The backup quarterback picture in Detroit has gotten a little more interesting since Teddy Bridgewaters retirement left the Lions with a spot to fill behind Jared Goff. Undrafted rookie Luke Altmyer and veteran Josh Dobbs are the two names in the mix for the reserve role, and Altmyer has recently been getting more second-team reps in practice as the Lions continue sorting out the depth chart.
Even with that shift, the competition is still very much alive heading into the preseason finale against the Indianapolis Colts. Detroits coaches have been clear that nothing is decided yet, which leaves both quarterbacks with one more chance to make a case before the team has to settle on who backs up Goff to open the season. [Read more 🡒]
Lions Just Unveiled An Alternate Look Fans Will Instantly Debate
The Lions added another layer to an already sharp uniform rollout this week, officially unveiling their new Rivalries alternate set called Defend the Den. The look is built around white jerseys with black numbering outlined in blue, white pants with two stripes and blue helmets, a combination that immediately gives Detroit a different visual identity than its usual home-and-road staples.
Fans will not have long to sit with the debate, either. The uniforms are set to debut Nov. 1 at home against the Vikings, and they will be worn only once this season, which only heightens the attention on a design that has already drawn comparisons to the Panthers. For a team trying to make every home detail feel intentional, this one is certain to spark plenty of opinions before kickoff even arrives. [Read more 🡒]
Jahmyr Gibbs Just Gave Lions Fans A Fresh NFL Snub Debate
The NFLs top 100 list has finally reached its top tier, and Jahmyr Gibbs landing at No. 9 gives Lions fans another reminder of how fast his star has risen. For a Detroit offense that has leaned on his explosiveness and versatility, seeing Gibbs placed ahead of some established names is bound to fuel plenty of conversation, especially with the rankings now shifting into the leagues most recognizable territory.
The rest of the top ten only sharpens the debate, with familiar stars such as Christian McCaffrey, Matthew Stafford, Josh Allen, Puka Nacua and Myles Garrett filling out the discussion around where Gibbs fits right now and where he might be headed next. The list also invites a broader look at how voters weighed production, reputation and upside, which is exactly the kind of exercise that keeps these rankings buzzing well after the reveal. [Read more 🡒]