The Detroit Lions head to Oakland to take on the Raiders and are coming off a much-needed victory over the Giants last week.
Despite an overall good effort by the team last week against the Giants, most of the rookies had a very quiet game. This week, they’ll take the field once again, hopefully making more of an impact this time.
Here’s what to expect from the Lions rookies this week:
Quarterback David Blough
Blough has been inactive for most of the season, and that isn’t going to change heading into this matchup.
Running back Ty Johnson
Despite having the largest share of snaps in the running back rotation last week, Johnson hasn’t been able to prove he’s ready to be the full-time starter in Detroit. The running back group as a whole doesn’t inspire much confidence, so Johnson still has a chance to stand out and earn a larger role.
He’s lined up in the backfield and out wide at receiver, so his versatility may give him more chances to make plays this week. Expect him to share his snaps evenly with Tra Carson (if Carson plays, he is questionable) against the Raiders.
Tight end T.J. Hockenson
Hockenson’s rookie campaign has stalled out since his record-breaking debut in Week 1 but could see an increase in production this week against a Raiders defense dealing with injuries.
Expect the first-round pick to be the clear-cut starter this week.
Offensive lineman Beau Benzschawel
The undrafted rookie has been a healthy scratch in every game this season, but Graham Glasgow’s injury could propel him to the active lineup.
Defensive lineman Kevin Strong Jr.
Strong has been a pleasant surprise throughout this season and has proved to be a capable backup when Da’Shawn Hand and Mike Daniels dealt with injuries. With the Raiders’ interior offensive line depth depleted due to injuries, the undrafted rookie has a chance to make a statement in this upcoming game.
Linebacker Jahlani Tavai
Tavai’s usage has fluctuated from game-to-game, and he finished last week’s game with just two tackles.
With Raiders tight end Darren Waller averaging 70 yards-per-game, the Lions’ linebacker unit will have a tough assignment coming up. Expect to see Tavai more often as they try to contain Oakland’s resurging offense.
Cornerbacks Amani Oruwariye and Michael Jackson Sr.
Oruwariye has been on the bench all season, and a lingering injury will most likely keep him there again this week.
A new addition to the Lions squad, it’s hard to tell where Jackson fits into the cornerback rotation. With no playing time yet this season and very little experience with this defensive scheme, don’t expect Jackson to be active for this game.
Safeties Will Harris and C.J. Moore
Harris was thrown into the starting lineup last week and showed he was ready for the big leagues. Aside from one play where he was humiliated by Saquon Barkley, the third-round rookie had a decent game. Expect him to be the starter again this week.
C.J. Moore has seen his role on defense increase more and more as the season goes on, but he won’t be seeing the field for anything more than limited use in multiple-safety sets barring any unforeseen changes.
Expect Moore’s main contributions to be on special teams.
