8 Players to Watch in Detroit Lions Preseason Game Against Commanders

The Detroit Lions will square off against the Washington Commanders Saturday in their penultimate preseason game.

Heading into Saturday's game, the Lions have several players on the bubble who are looking to stake their claim for a roster spot. As a result, the team's performance will be intriguing beyond the final score.

Here are eight players to watch in the Lions' second preseason game.

QB Josh Dobbs

The Lions are expected to let Dobbs go a little more in the second preseason game. After being signed two weeks ago, he played 22 snaps in the opener against the Bengals and will start Saturday's game.

Dobbs has intriguing upside as the team's backup quarterback, as he has starting experience and familiarity with offensive coordinator Drew Petzing dating back to their time together in Arizona. However, the backup job remains an open competition between he and Luke Altmyer.

Because of experience, it's widely expected that Dobbs will wind up being the team's backup behind Jared Goff. However, he still has something to prove, and would benefit from a good outing on Saturday.

DE Derrick Moore

Moore flashed some serious ability during practice this week, getting after the quarterback at a high level when given the opportunity. There's a lot to like about his potential fit in Detroit opposite of Aidan Hutchinson, and on Saturday he can show some of that ability in front of his home fans.

The Michigan product didn't play in the preseason opener, so his first taste of NFL action will come on Saturday. After what he displayed in practice, there's plenty for fans to be excited about as he begins his career.

If Moore can flash some of that pass-rush potential, he could cement himself with a role in the team's scheme.

OL Juice Scruggs

The Lions' position battle for the center position rages on in the absence of Cade Mays. Scruggs has been up-and-down in the role since returning from a soft-tissue injury, and Saturday's game will be his first opportunity to play the position in game action.

While Scruggs has been limited in practice and may not have a heavy snap count in Saturday's game, it's important that he logs some game reps.

His versatility across the interior line gives him a leg up in a battle for a roster spot, but the Lions have learned the importance of getting reliable center play and because of this there is a heightened level of importance on his performance.

DE Eric O'Neill

O'Neill has come on strong in training camp as of late, including a pick-six in Monday's practice. He has some intriguing ability, and the fact that the team could be looking for depth along the defensive line adds some credence to his hopes of making the roster.

The Lions could give O'Neill an extended look in Saturday's game, which would allow for a more thorough evaluation of his hopes of making the team. If he can get after the opposing quarterback, it could add more fuel to the fire he's been building.

RB Sione Vaki

Vaki missed a chunk of training camp after suffering a freak injury, but is back in action heading into Saturday's game. Now, he's going to be looked to as an option out of the backfield heading into his third NFL season.

Throughout the start of his career, Vaki has been mostly a special teams contributor. The Utah product has asserted himself in this role as a top performer, but now must prove that he can be reliable for the offense as a depth option.

Time will tell how significant of a role Vaki plays throughout the rest of the preseason. However, with the emergence of some of the running back depth the team has on the roster, Saturday could be a big opportunity for him.

CB Keith Abney II

As a rookie, Abney is looking to assert himself as one of the top options at the cornerback position. Rock Ya-Sin appears to be winning in the competition for the second cornerback spot, but there could be an opportunity for Abney at the nickel spot.

Though he was predominantly an outside cornerback in college at Arizona State, Abney's profile could be more ideal to play the slot corner spot at the NFL level. He should get plenty of reps, and he could help his odds of contributing in a big way by making plays on Saturday.

WR Tay Martin

Martin is a name that has been brought up plenty throughout training camp, specifically by special teams coordinator Dave Fipp. He has stood out on special teams, and could take another step towards making the roster by contributing on offense.

A UFL product who had a strong spring with the Columbus Aviators, there is some intrigue surrounding Martin's abilities. With two quarterbacks looking to make their respective marks in a backup competition, Martin should get some targets with an opportunity to assert himself in a crowded receiver room.

S Dan Jackson

A seventh-round pick in last year's draft, Jackson is looking to prove he belongs in the mix in Detroit's secondary. The Lions have some veteran depth at the position, but with both of their starters sidelined, Jackson has gotten a look throughout training camp.

A former walk-on at Georgia, Jackson has proven he fits the Lions' culture. However, he missed all of his rookie season with an injury and as a result has plenty to prove. The young player needs to showcase his abilities in his opportunities, and Saturday is a prime opportunity for him to do so.

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