5 Risers, 4 Fallers Following Detroit Lions Preseason Week 2 Win

The Detroit Lions have just one preseason game remaining before they'll have to make some tough decisions.

In their 17-13 win over the Washington Commanders on Saturday, the team had several players that stood out and made their case to earn a spot on the team's final roster.

General manager Brad Holmes and the Lions' front office will have to finalize the initial version of their 53-man roster by 6 p.m. on the day after their preseason finale against the Indianapolis Colts.

Here are risers and fallers following the Lions' second preseason game.

Risers

DT Skyler Gill-Howard

Gill-Howard has been one of the most ascending players over the last two weeks on Detroit's entire roster. With the team beginning preseason games, fans have been able to see the explosiveness and pass-rush ability that the rookie has.

In his opportunities over the first two games, Gill-Howard has been a consistent thorn in the sides of opponents. On Saturday, he had a combined sack with D.J. Wonnum that was negated by a penalty and a tackle for loss on a run play.

Gill-Howard has proven that he is worthy of a spot in Detroit's defensive line rotation, and should play a fairly significant role in the team's plans when the regular season begins.

TE Jackson Meeks

Over the offseason, the Lions tasked Meeks with bulking up and switching from receiver to tight end. With two preseason games and nearly a full training camp under his belt at the position, Meeks appears to be taking to the switch well.

When Luke Altmyer entered Saturday's game in the second quarter, Meeks emerged as one of his favorite targets. All told, Meeks finished with four catches for 33 yards including a massive fourth-down conversion.

The Lions have an established hierarchy at this position, with Sam LaPorta, Brock Wright and newcomer Tyler Conklin all being established veterans. However, Meeks is making a serious case to be included in that mix when the Lions break camp.

RB Trayveon Williams

Recently signed amidst some injuries at the running back position, Williams got an extended opportunity to prove himself in Saturday's game. He did not disappoint, notching 36 yards and a score on 10 carries.

Furthermore, Williams had a 24-yard catch-and-run on a screen pass from Josh Dobbs that helped to set up his score in the second half. He's still relatively new in Detroit having been signed late last week, but there's some upside with this veteran that is certainly worth exploring.

WR Tay Martin

Martin is a name that has been brought up multiple times by special teams coordinator Dave Fipp, which is an indication that he's getting serious consideration to make the 53-man roster. It's been well documented that players who can help in that phase are more likely to make the team in depth spots, and Martin is staking his claim.

In Saturday's game, Martin did have a crucial drop on a crossing route. However, he also had an 11-yard catch and an excellent block to help spring Josh Dobbs' 50-yard touchdown run in the first half.

By doing the little things, Martin is aiming to make a big statement that he belongs on the roster when the regular season begins.

LB Malcolm Rodriguez

An injury held Rodriguez out for a portion of camp, but he was back in action Saturday and reminded many why he was such a big part of the Lions' linebacker rotation in recent years. The Oklahoma State product had two tackles and a pressure that helped force a field goal with the Commanders driving in the Lions' red-zone.

Currently, the Lions have a solid competition brewing for the third linebacker spot between Rodriguez and Devin White. The veteran White has received plenty of acclaim throughout camp for his performance, but Rodriguez won't be going away without a fight.

Fallers

WR Isaac TeSlaa

TeSlaa is by no means in danger of losing his spot, but he has been silent in the preseason through two games. It was a choppy start to camp, and he unfortunately hasn't been able to string good days together throughout the process.

He played 15 snaps in Saturday's game, but did not get a single target. This comes on the heels of a performance in Cincinnati during which he dropped two passes. The Lions likely still have plenty of confidence in him, but it has largely been a sophomore slump up to this point.

OT Larry Borom

It was a difficult start to the game for Borom, who was beat on the second play as part of a catostrophic strip-sack that led to a Commanders touchdown while fans were still settling into their seats.

Rookie Blake Miller appears to be winning the competition for the right tackle spot, which would leave Borom in a depth role. His spot doesn't appear to be in jeopardy, but the early results on this signing have not been extremely favorable.

G Miles Frazier

Frazier has the ability to provide the Lions with versatile depth, but unfortunately penalties have been an unfortunate theme for him through the first two preseason games. The second-year LSU product has had some pre-snap issues, as well as struggles in pass protection.

His ability to play both guard and tackle still presents the team with a lot of value, so it's hard to say that he's firmly on the roster bubble. However, his performance in the preseason has left more to be desired up to this point.

TE Zach Horton

With the emergence of Meeks and Conklin, Horton has taken a back seat in the tight end rotation. After a strong training camp and preseason last year, as well as the opportunity to be active in multiple regular season games, there was some optimism surrounding Horton early in the year.

However, he was waived previously this offseason and then brought back when injuries hit the tight end room. He is trending down the depth chart and now faces an uphill battle entering the final week of camp.

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