Lions see promise in Ratledge preseason debut

A detailed look at Tate Ratledge's first NFL action for Detroit against Atlanta, focusing on pass protection and run blocking.

Lions see promise in Ratledge preseason debut

Detroit gave Tate Ratledge 24 snaps at right guard in Week 1 of the preseason against the Falcons. The debut showed clean footwork and a solid anchor in pass protection, with Ratledge handling power rushes and stunts with quiet efficiency. He moved well laterally, passed off games smoothly, and gave Lions quarterback Hendon Hooker time to throw while facing a variety of Atlanta fronts.

In the run game, Ratledge showed a willingness to engage and move bodies, common to players his size. He and right tackle Mason Miller combined to seal lanes and create second level access, allowing room for the back to press gains. There were a few plays that didn’t end cleanly, but the overall effort and physical presence stood out as a positive sign for Detroit’s interior depth ahead of the regular season.

Taken as a standalone performance, Ratledge’s first NBA-like test in Detroit’s system hints at a longer arc. If he continues to refine his handling of pre snap looks and maintains his balance under pressure, he could develop into a reliable interior option behind Penei Sewell and the current guards. The block on the backside run shows the kind of hustle that coaches value, even when a play doesn’t net yards.

This outing also fits a broader pattern for the Lions, who are trying to build depth on the line without sacrificing technique. A second strong showing would advance Ratledge from a training camp favorite to a regular rotation player. Still, one preseason game is only a starting point, and steady progress will be the real test.

Highlights

A young lineman earns attention with every rep, and Ratledge is just getting started.