Young Lions to get work with first team against the Dolphins at joint practices, 4 guys we’re keeping our eyes on

This is a big opportunity for the young guys

Mike Payton — Detroit Lions Beat Writer
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In the past, we’ve heard Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell talk a lot about how the joint practices are more important for Lions starters than the preseason games are. You can get a lot of reps against another team’s offense or defense, and it’s all things that can be controlled by the coaches. Meaning you get to work on scenarios that you want to work on the most with your starters.

This doesn’t mean that the young guys will just be off for the day. Not even close. This is a big opportunity for some of these guys, as they will get chances they really aren’t getting in the preseason games.

“I think that’s the best way to look at it. It’s really two groups that’s probably the best way to think about it. Certainly, the quarterbacks will be working that second group. They’ll be rotating, but it’s really a ones and twos, and so that is really where we get our good work with that, that first group.” Campbell said. “And yes, there’ll be some, there’ll be a few young guys that will get worked in with those groups to see how they do against Miami’s ones on offense, defense, and special teams.”

There you go. From working against guys who are not likely to make rosters in preseason games to working against some of the best players in the league. Now is your chance to show what you can do over the next two days.

The guys we’re going to be watching for the most in these situations are as follows:

  • WR Isaac TeSlaa: He’s been getting better every week, and the thought has always been that he could jump Tim Patrick for that WR3 spot. Here is his first chance to go against a first-team defense that isn’t his. Let’s see how he blocks, and let’s see him make some plays.
  • Edge Ahmed Hassanein: He went down in Monday’s practice, but he’s back on Wednesday and good to go. Let’s see how he works what he’s learned in the last few weeks working with Aidan Hutchinson and Penei Sewell.
  • TE Zach Horton: He’s been doing fullback work during the preseason games. If he works in with the ones on Wednesday, that could be a good sign for him getting a shot on the roster.
  • Edge Nate Lynn: He’s been doing so well in these preseason games. If he can go out and put in some solid work during these joint practices, he can probably secure that roster spot.

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