Lions stock report after Falcons game

A look at how Lions players performed in the Falcons preseason game and what it means for roster decisions.

Lions stock report shows movers after Falcons game

Offense showed clear movement. Kyle Allen went 7 of 8 for 120 yards with two touchdowns and added two rushes for 10 yards, making a strong case for the QB2 role. Hendon Hooker finished 7 of 10 for 38 yards with two fumbles, while Jared Goff did not play. Jacob Saylors stood out at running back with 9 carries for 35 yards and 2 receptions for 14 yards, while Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery did not participate. Isaac TeSlaa caught 2 passes for 18 yards and a TD, and Jackson Meeks had 3 receptions for 78 yards and a TD, signaling top target potential. Ronnie Bell contributed on offense and Tom Kennedy had his moments. Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams did not play, along with Tim Patrick and Kalif Raymond. Dominic Lovett was listed as injured with an abdomen issue.

The line saw changes as Tate Ratledge started at right guard and showed solid anchor, with Giovanni Manu at left tackle and Kayode Awosika at left guard. The rest of the group rotated due to injuries and practice reps, with Colby Sorsdal leaving in the second quarter and Trystan Colon stepping in at center before Sorsdal returned briefly. In the second half, Manu stayed at left tackle, Muti moved to left guard, and Niese shifted inside to center as Eguakun relieved Sorsdal at right guard. Did not play: Taylor Decker, Christian Mahogany, Graham Glasgow, Penei Sewell.

Defensively, Al-Quadin Muhammad and Nate Lynn recorded sacks, while Ahmad Hassanein contributed pressure and a tackle for loss. Isaac Ukwu and Mitchell Agude have fallen behind the newer reserves in the edge rotation. The interior line saw Chris Smith and Brodric Martin earn reps, with Smith providing steady presence and Martin offering push when entering the game. In the secondary, Rock Ya-Sin and Ian Kennelly showed versatility at safety and corner, with Kennelly starting at safety over Loren Strickland and UDFA rookie Morice Norris suffering a frightening injury that required medical attention but was later reported stable. Special teams remained even, with Jake Bates, Jack Fox, and Hogan Hatten all maintaining reliable roles.

The game functioned as a live audition for depth players more than win-now add-ons. The Allen versus Hooker dynamic matters because it signals how the Lions view the QB depth chart beyond Goff, and the decision could shape practice prioritization. Ratledge’s performance at right guard matters for a line still in flux behind the top five; early conditioning and leverage carries weight in the race for starting slots. The returns from Meeks and TeSlaa suggest Detroit is quietly building an internal pipeline at receiver while holding smaller investments in UDFA options. On defense, Nowaske’s flexibility at SAM and MIKE hints at a longer leash for versatile linebackers, while Ya-Sin’s cross‑training value could improve roster security for a cornerback group with notable injuries.

The Norris incident is the clearest red flag. An ambulance scene and the ensuing update remind the team and fans that preseason hits carry real risk and spotlight the importance of medical readiness and clear injury communication. The Lions must balance the ambition of a crowded depth chart with patient, careful evaluation of who can contribute in the regular season without compromising safety.

Highlights

Rosters will tighten in the coming weeks as preseason gives way to cuts and final evaluations.