Detroit Lions Practice Player Case Analysis

The Detroit Lions still have some key decisions to make when it come to the 53-man roster and several players will try and have their name written down during the second preseason game tonight against the Cincinnati Bengals. Here are a couple names you may want to keep an eye out for and see if you are impressed enough to remember the number on their jersey tomorrow.
While Dan Orlofsky isn’t in any fear of losing the number two spot at quarterback, Jake Rudock still has a lot to prove if he wants to make the roster instead of being assigned to the Lions practice squad. When it comes to numbers and stats, Rudock looked great on paper after the preseason opener. The reality of the matter is that he only threw one pass that was in the air for
more than five yards.
He was able to handle what Detroit’s coaching staff asked him to do, but it is obvious there isn’t a whole lot of confidence or trust in Rudock at this point.
Rudock is going to have to show he is able to handle throwing more than a screen or a quick dump-off if he expects the Lions to add a third quarterback to the roster.
There is no doubt about it, both Theo Riddick and Ameer Abdullah will be a force for any defense to contend with they go up against this year. That being said, the Lions have yet to fill the role that was left open by Joique Bell. While Riddick is a target Matthew Stafford will look for coming out of the backfield all season long, he has yet to prove he can be counted on as a productive rusher.
Zach Zenner has looked impressive throughout camp so far and found time on the field in the opener against Pittsburg before Stevan Ridley or George Winn. The three of them will probably see equal time on the field tonight against the Bengals, but Zenner should end up being the most productive out of the trio.
Many have assumed that the fourth wide receiver spot on the roster would belong to TJ Jones, but Jace Billingsley made sure his name was being considered after the game against the Steelers. Along with being Detroit’s top punt returner in the game, Billingsley also showed that he is a threat with the ball after the catch with his fourth quarter touchdown
reception.
It’s been a few years since the Lions have had the options they currently have at the wide receiver position. Look for one of the young players tonight to take advantage of the opportunity and make their case for a spot on the final roster.