[ad_1]
Several players in the Detroit Lions roster bubble took advantage of Friday to present their latest argument in favor of the team’s roster in the regular season. With Lions coaches expected to use the entire weekend to make tough choices, a handful of players can sleep well knowing they’ve done all they can to run to a spot on the 53-man roster.
Here are five players who entered the roster bubble overnight, but improved their chances of making the 53rd after their performance against the Indianapolis Colts.
RB Godwin Igwebuike
As Jermar Jefferson jumped over defenders and did his best to hold onto that third place running back, Igwebuike defended against the Colts. While the final stat didn’t sound too impressive – seven carries, 25 yards – Igwebuike ran with confidence and intensity, as evidenced by his touchdown run on the fourth and the goal from the 1-yard line. After being initially stopped, Igwebuike used his motor to move forward and his wisdom to cross the goal line. A nice 30.0 average on three kicking returns on the evening earned him a scream from Dan Campbell in the post-game press conference.
“I think Godwin showed up again,” Campbell said. “He was fighting for a job and I think he certainly waves a huge flag like ‘Look at me’.”
I’m not sure he did enough to skip Jefferson, but he pleaded for the Lions to keep a fourth running back as he has shown tremendous growth in the short time since his transition from safety.
EDGE Charles Harris
Harris entered the game before Austin Bryant, which could be telling in itself. But he also managed to make a strong impression with a few shots. Harris made two tackles and THREE the quarterback hits in a few quarters. The rest of the team only had two quarterback hits on the evening.
CB elderberry
While it looks like AJ Parker has clinched a spot, the Lions were still trying to figure out who exactly would compete with him for the nickel position. Elder’s interception to kick off the second half was exactly what Campbell was looking for.
“One of the things we said at halftime was, ‘When are we going to get turnover? We need a turnover. When are we going to release a ball? And Corn Elder gets one, ”Campbell said. “These things are important.”
Nickell Robey-Coleman hasn’t had a bad day, but the playing capacity is huge when it comes to cornerback position, and Elder’s pick stood out from a group of cornerbacks by elsewhere quiet.
But Campbell mentioned the need for one of those three nickel contenders to play special teams, and none stood out in that regard on Friday.
WR Quintez Cephus
Before Friday, the Lions were looking for someone, anyone to part ways with a bunch of underwhelming receivers. Cephus grabbed an early touchdown, and although a maintenance penalty killed a subsequent practice, Campbell admitted that Cephus – while not exactly the kind of receiver this team seems to be looking for – brings enough of something. different separate from the pack.
“He kind of brings a different flavor to this piece,” Campbell said. “I think he’s a little more physical, plays a little bigger. So it was encouraging. ”
Cephus’ training chances were also helped by the fact that Breshad Perriman’s extended gaze resulted in two inexcusable drops.
G Tommy Kraemer
I can’t say that I saw Kraemer do anything in particular that impressed me, but there are a couple of reasons he’s on this list. One of his main contenders for the job, second-year guard Logan Stenberg, left the game early with a lower-body injury and made his way to the locker room. Additionally, Dan Skipper has been injured himself, which could mean there is likely no temptation for the Lions to keep five tackles on an extra guard.
On top of that, Kraemer got some post-game recognition from Campbell.
“Shoot, I thought Kraemer had done some really good things,” Campbell said, uninvited.
If Stenberg’s injury is serious, Kraemer could very well be one of the last players on the roster simply out of necessity. Although I don’t consider his job to be safe if Lions find someone they would be comfortable adding to in the waiver process.
[ad_2]
Source link