ALLEN PARK, Mich. ~ The Detroit Lions open the preseason Thursday night against Cincinnati with several roster battles still unsettled, as coaches evaluate young talent and depth pieces ahead of another season with playoff expectations.
Among the camp standouts is linebacker Devin White, who signed with Detroit after spending last season with Las Vegas. Campbell said White has looked more like the explosive playmaker he remembered from White’s Tampa Bay days, while edge rusher Ahmed Hassanein has impressed coaches with an aggressive style and relentless effort. Veteran leaders have also helped set the tone, with Campbell describing All-Pro linebacker Jack Campbell as the “quarterback” of the defense.
The Lions also continue to sort through changes along the offensive line after center Cade Mays suffered a wrist injury that will keep him out into the regular season. Seth McLaughlin and Juice Scruggs are among the players expected to compete for the vacant center role as the coaching staff searches for its best combination up front.
Rookie tackle Blake Miller is another player expected to receive significant attention after taking valuable reps against Detroit’s top pass rushers throughout camp.
Campbell recently called this the deepest receiving group Detroit has had during his tenure, and competition remains strong across the roster. Battles at center, wide receiver, and along the defensive front are expected to be among the most closely watched storylines when Detroit takes the field in Cincinnati.
