The Detroit Lions suffered an all-too-familiar loss to the Chicago Bears, leading for most of the game only to sputter out in the fourth quarter.
In the 27-23 loss, the bulk of the Lions’ rookies failed to make any positive impact on the field.
Right guard Jonah Jackson contributed the most out of anyone in Detroit’s 2020 rookie class, as he was the only one of that group to start against Chicago. He allowed a sack on Matthew Stafford and committed one penalty, but ultimately held his own against Chicago’s fierce front seven.
Rookie running back D’Andre Swift didn’t see much action on offense, with just three carries for a mere eight yards, though one of those three carries did lead to a goalline touchdown to close out the first half. He also added fifteen more yards on three receptions. Though he helped the Lions early on, his dropped touchdown reception in the last moments of the game is all anybody will remember.
Welcome to the endzone, @DAndreSwift. #CHIvsDET | #OnePride
📺 FOX pic.twitter.com/DBtY8GAeX7
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) September 13, 2020
Quintez Cephus earned something extra playing time while Kenny Golladay sat out with an injury. The rookie was on the field for 79-percent of offensive snaps, the second-most of all skill positions on the team. Cephus was targeted ten times throughout the game but only was able to haul in three of those passes for a total of 43 yards.
Both Julian Okwara and John Penisini were used sparingly against Chicago, with neither of them being in the field for more than nine snaps on defense. The two rookies kept their names clear from the stat sheet as well.
Jeff Okudah and Hunter Bryant both missed out on the action due to injuries suffered during practice. Logan Stenberg was a game-day inactive.
