The Detroit Lions have a couple of lesser-known names who could force their way into much bigger roles in 2026, and both made the most of their preseason chances: EDGE Ahmed Hassanein and running back Jacob Saylors.
Hassanein, in particular, turned heads with what he did in the preseason opener against the Bengals. He racked up two sacks, including a takedown of Pro Bowl QB Joe Burrow on Cincinnati's first series of the game. Across training camp, he also showed promise in his work at his new spot, big end.
That’s a sharp turn for the Boise State product. Hassanein dealt with a torn pectoral muscle last summer, was waived by the Lions with an injury settlement in August, then found his way back onto the practice squad. As a rookie, he never got onto the field for a snap.
Now, a year later, he has a real chance to carve out a meaningful place in Detroit’s EDGE rotation. At this point, it looks more likely than not that he’ll be part of that mix, which is why he enters 2026 as a legitimate breakout candidate for Dan Campbell’s team.
Saylors made his case in a different way, but the end result is similar: he gave the Lions plenty to think about. The 26-year-old finished the preseason with 23 carries for 132 yards, a 5.7 yards-per-carry average, and added two catches for 12 yards.
His path also got clearer with the injury to Isiah Pacheco. That development has pushed Saylors into the favorite’s chair to open 2026 as Jahmyr Gibbs’ backup. For a player who has only two NFL carries so far, for 11 yards, that’s a big jump.
Saylors may not stop there, either. The East Tennessee State product is also expected to be in the mix as a kick returner in 2026, giving him another route to stick on the 53-man roster and make a real splash for Detroit.
In that sense, he arrives in 2026 as another under-the-radar breakout possibility for Campbell’s group.
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Lions Suddenly Need Backfield Help Before Week 1
The Lions backfield picture got thinner just as the season is about to begin, with Isiah Pacheco landing on injured reserve and set to miss at least the first four games. That leaves Detroit looking for help behind Jahmyr Gibbs, and the current plan has Jacob Saylors stepping into the RB2 role for now.
Detroit is already weighing outside options to shore up the depth chart, with Trayveon Williams, Raheem Mostert and Antonio Gibson among the names in the mix. It is the kind of early-season adjustment that can change quickly, but for the moment the Lions are clearly treating running back as a spot that needs reinforcement before Week 1. [Read more 🡒]
Lions Sent A Clear Message With One Surprise Pass Rush Decision
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Ray Agnew has also pointed to the defensive line as one of the rosters real strengths heading into the season, and it is easy to see why. With Alim McNeill, Aidan Hutchinson, Tyleik Williams, D.J. Wonnum and Derrick Moore in the mix, the Lions have loaded up on talent and depth, which makes ONeills presence even more notable. It is the kind of surprise pass-rush decision that says as much about Detroits standards as it does about one young players rise. [Read more 🡒]
Lions Face A Real Receiver Dilemma With Two Roster Spots Open
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Westbrook-Ikhine brings six years of NFL experience and has worked as an outside receiver, which gives him a clear fit in Detroits offensive mix. The question is whether the Lions want that kind of addition more than a player who can also help in the return game, and with those two openings still available, the front office has a little room to decide what matters most. [Read more 🡒]