Perspective: Quarterback Hendon Hooker's final stat line Saturday was respectable as he completed 12-of-20 passes for 114 yards with a touchdown, interception and 93 rushing yards, but it also deserves some context. The bulk of that was against the Steelers reserves. Against the Steelers' starters on defense, Hooker was sacked four times as the offense recorded just seven total yards in the first quarter. Hooker lost a fumble and the offense punted on their next four possessions.
Kudos to Hooker for settling into the game and making plays, but there's still a lot of opportunity for him to grow and develop.
Bates' preseason: After a bit of a shaky start to training camp, Jake Bates settled into the kicking role pretty nicely during camp. He hit a game-winning field goal in Kansas City last week and finished the preseason 6-of-7 on field goals and 3-of-4 on extra points.
He missed a short 30-yard field goal in the preseason finale Saturday, but also made a 46-yarder. The Lions know there are going to be some growing pains here and there when it comes to Bates. Campbell said he can't get frustrated by those and is committed to Bates' development.
Tough decision at WR: The Lions have decisions to make for the last couple spots at wide receiver and there are a group of players that have made that decision tough.
Among them is undrafted rookie Isaiah Williams, who had a steady training camp and a really good preseason. He's not the biggest or fastest receiver, but he has a feel for route running and making plays in space, and it wouldn't be surprising if he's on the initial 53-man roster. He had a 17-yard reception Saturday, a 37-yard kick return and three punt returns totaling 30 yards.
"He's a dawg," Hooker said of Williams after the game. "Made some amazing plays in special teams, made some amazing catches, and his attitude, he's a dawg. Him coming out on the field and telling me, 'Let's go Hen, let's make some plays,' that boosted me up a little bit, so it's a blessing to have him around in the huddle and the locker room."
Roster spots: Campbell lamented after the game about the difficult decisions he and GM Brad Holmes have to make in the next 48 hours, trimming the roster down to an initial 53. But Campbell was also quick to point out the importance of the practice squad and how during the course of an 18-week season, it's really 69 spots and not just 53 that will be counted on.
View photos from the Detroit Lions vs. Pittsburgh Steelers Preseason Week 3 game at Ford Field on Saturday, August 24 in Detroit, Michigan.
Detroit Lions wide receiver Maurice Alexander (1) and Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaiah Williams (83) before an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14), Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams (9), and Detroit Lions running back Craig Reynolds (13) before an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Sione Vaki (33) warms up before an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions Head Coach Dan Campbell before an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions guard Kayode Awosika (74) and Detroit Lions linebacker Joel Iyiegbuniwe (52) huddle up before an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions punter Jack Fox (3) and Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates (43) warm up before an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions Defensive Coordinator Aaron Glenn before an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates (43) warms up before an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) warms up before an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions Offensive Coordinator Ben Johnson before an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Sione Vaki (33) and Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (26) before an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions punter Jack Fox (3) warms up before an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Kalif Raymond (11) warms up before an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions long snapper Scott Daly (47) warms up before an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Kalif Raymond (11) before an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Jake Funk (36), Detroit Lions wide receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones (19), and Detroit Lions wide receiver Kalif Raymond (11) before an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (5) before an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tight end Shane Zylstra (84) warms up before an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Hendon Hooker (2) warms up before an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Mitchell Agude (50), Detroit Lions tight end James Mitchell (82), Detroit Lions offensive lineman Giovanni Manu (59), and Detroit Lions tight end Sean McKeon (86) run out for team introductions before an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions Head Coach Dan Campbell before an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Aidan Hutchinson (97) before an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Kaden Davis (88) before an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Hendon Hooker (2) before an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions punter Jack Fox (3) and Detroit Lions safety C.J. Moore (38) before an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Jake Funk (36) during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions center Kingsley Eguakun (65) and Detroit Lions quarterback Hendon Hooker (2) during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Josh Paschal (93) and Detroit Lions defensive lineman Mekhi Wingo (94) during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Colby Sorsdal (75), Detroit Lions offensive lineman Michael Niese (62), Detroit Lions quarterback Hendon Hooker (2), and Detroit Lions center Kingsley Eguakun (65) during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tight end Shane Zylstra (84) and Detroit Lions running back Zonovan Knight (27) during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions Third Down Town during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Ty Summers (25), Detroit Lions tight end James Mitchell (82), Detroit Lions punter Jack Fox (3), Detroit Lions long snapper Hogan Hatten (49), Detroit Lions safety Loren Strickland (48), and Detroit Lions linebacker Abraham Beauplan (59) during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Josh Paschal (93) during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Zonovan Knight (27), Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaiah Williams (83), and Detroit Lions tight end Shane Zylstra (84) during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaiah Williams (83) during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Joel Iyiegbuniwe (52) during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions safety Chelen Garnes (35) during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Ty Summers (25) celebrates after a sack during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Ty Summers (25) sacks Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields (2) during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker James Houston (41) during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Michael Niese (62), Detroit Lions center Kingsley Eguakun (65) Detroit Lions quarterback Hendon Hooker (2), Detroit Lions center Duke Clemens (63), and Detroit Lions offensive lineman Giovanni Manu (59) during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Ty Summers (25) and Detroit Lions linebacker Mathieu Betts (95) during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions safety Loren Strickland (48) during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker James Houston (41) sacks Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kyle Allen (4) during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker James Houston (41) celebrates after a sack during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaiah Williams (83) during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Jake Funk (36) and Detroit Lions quarterback Hendon Hooker (2) during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Kaden Davis (88) during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Jake Funk (36), Detroit Lions quarterback Hendon Hooker (2), and Detroit Lions center Kingsley Eguakun (65) during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones (19) and Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaiah Williams (83) during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Colby Sorsdal (75), Detroit Lions quarterback Hendon Hooker (2), and Detroit Lions center Kingsley Eguakun (65) during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Hendon Hooker (2) and Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaiah Williams (83) during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaiah Williams (83) during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tight end Shane Zylstra (84), Detroit Lions running back Jake Funk (36), and Detroit Lions wide receiver Kaden Davis (88) celebrate after a touchdown during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Jake Funk (36), Detroit Lions offensive lineman Michael Niese (62), Detroit Lions tight end James Mitchell (82), Detroit Lions wide receiver Kaden Davis (88), and Detroit Lions offensive lineman Michael Niese (62) celebrate after a touchdown during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tight end Parker Hesse (43) kicks an extra point during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Isaac Ukwu (45) forces a fumble during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Mekhi Wingo (94) recovers a fumble during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Hendon Hooker (2) during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Kaden Davis (88) during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Jermar Jefferson (28) scores a touchdown during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams (9) and Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone (34) during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Hendon Hooker (2), Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (26), Detroit Lions running back Jake Funk (36), and Detroit Lions running back Zonovan Knight (27) celebrate after a touchdown during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tight end Shane Zylstra (84), Detroit Lions running back Zonovan Knight (27), Detroit Lions quarterback Hendon Hooker (2), and Detroit Lions offensive lineman Colby Sorsdal (75) during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tight end Shane Zylstra (84) during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Hendon Hooker (2), Detroit Lions center Bryan Hudson (64), and Detroit Lions center Duke Clemens (63) during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Hendon Hooker (2) during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Hendon Hooker (2) and Detroit Lions running back Zonovan Knight (27) during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Hendon Hooker (2) during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tight end Shane Zylstra (84) during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions safety Loren Strickland (48) during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions Head Coach Dan Campbell during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates (43) during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions cornerback Steven Gilmore (24) during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Joel Iyiegbuniwe (52) and Detroit Lions cornerback Steven Gilmore (24) during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions cornerback Steven Gilmore (24) and Detroit Lions linebacker Mitchell Agude (50) during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions safety Loren Strickland (48) during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Jermar Jefferson (28), Detroit Lions tight end James Mitchell (82), Detroit Lions safety Brandon Joseph (40), Detroit Lions safety Chelen Garnes (35), and Detroit Lions tight end Sean McKeon (86) during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Hendon Hooker (2) during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Maurice Alexander (1) during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Maurice Alexander (1) during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Hendon Hooker (2) during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Jermar Jefferson (28), Detroit Lions wide receiver Maurice Alexander (1), and Detroit Lions center Bryan Hudson (64) celebrate after a touchdown during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Jermar Jefferson (28) scores a touchdown during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Maurice Alexander (1) during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Jermar Jefferson (28) scores a touchdown during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Jermar Jefferson (28) scores a touchdown during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Jermar Jefferson (28) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions punter Jack Fox (3) and Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates (43) during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Jake Fromm (18) during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Giovanni Manu (59) and Detroit Lions running back Jake Funk (36) during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Jake Fromm (18), Detroit Lions center Duke Clemens (63), Detroit Lions running back Jake Funk (36), and Detroit Lions offensive lineman Giovanni Manu (59) during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Jalon Calhoun (80) during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Jalon Calhoun (80) during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Maurice Alexander (1) during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Mekhi Wingo (94) during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions Head Coach Dan Campbell during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tight end Sean McKeon (86) during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
O-line reserves: The Lions are expected to have one of the top offensive lines in football when Penei Sewell, Taylor Decker, Frank Ragnow, Kevin Zeitler and Graham Glasgow strap it up Week 1 vs. the Rams. Lions fans are a little spoiled having so much starting talent upfront. Saturday afternoon the reserves got a chance to start, and Detroit gave up four sacks and gained just seven yards of offense in three first-quarter possessions against the Steelers defensive starters. There will be some good film for those players to learn from.
Kickoff woes: It's the preseason and that's a time to continue to tinker with aspects of the football team, but should we be worried at all about some of the issues Bates has had handling kickoff duties within the new rules? He got his second penalty of the preseason for landing a kickoff short of the 20-yard line and got another penalty when he kicked it out of bounds. Both infractions Saturday set the Steelers up at the 40-yard line.
Taking advantage of reps: That's what veteran quarterback Jake Fromm did Saturday. He got his first opportunity to play in the preseason and was really impressive in the fourth quarter, finishing 6-of-8 passing for 89 yards for a 110.9 passer rating. He made some really good throws. Campbell said after the game that Fromm has opened his eyes since he got here a couple weeks ago.
Injury updates: Sewell (ankle) and running back Craig Reynolds (lower body) will be good to go for the regular season after being hurt in practice last week, according to Campbell. Safety Ifeatu Melifonwu, who has also missed some recent practice time with an undisclosed injury, is still a question mark.
"Nothing that we feel like is long-term yet, it's continuing to take a little while," Campbell said of Melifonwu. "I'm not too sure on that one. I don't know when we'll have him back or if he'll be back, what that timeline is. But feel really good about Sewell and Craig both."
Defensive lineman Brodric Martin, who left Saturday's game, suffered a hyperextension. Campbell doesn't think it will be long-term.
