Updated Detroit Lions 53-Man Roster Prediction After Commanders Win

Here is an updated prediction of which Detroit Lions players should make the 53-man roster in 2026, following a 17-13 victory against the Washington Commanders at Ford Field.

Quarterback (2)

In: Jared Goff, Josh Dobbs
Out: Luke Altmyer

The veteran quarterback made a rookie mistake, tossing an early interception, but his mobility and poise following a bad decision should not go unnoticed.

Dan Campbell indicated he would like Altmyer, the first-year quarterback to work towards playing faster. Another week of practice should see the undrafted free agent play better against the Colts next weekend.

Running back (3)

In: Jahmyr Gibbs, Isiah Pacheco, Jacob Saylors
Out: Trayveon Williams, Jabari Small, Raheem Blackshear, Sione Vaki

Sione Vaki, while being a top special teams player, cannot only hang his hat on impressing Dave Fipp. He is often injured and not a player the team can rely upon, especially given how well Jacob Saylors has performed throughout the preseason.

Wide receiver (5)

In: Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, Isaac TeSlaa, Greg Dortch, Tay Martin
Out: Dominic Lovett, Cedrick Wilson Jr., Malik Cunningham, Tom Kennedy, Lucky Jackson, Tarik Black
Injured: Kendrick Law (IR)

Cedrick Wilson Jr. may have the decision for the coaching staff quite challenging. Unfortunately, he suffered a worrisome injury against the Commanders, which may signal a spot on an injury list.

Tight end (4)

In: Sam LaPorta, Brock Wright, Tyler Conklin, Jackson Meeks
Out: Thomas Gordon, Zach Horton

Jackson Meeks continues to improve all throughout camp. While he may have been kept off our previous 53-man projections, it is hard to ignore Meeks' potential, after a solid week of training camp and a standout performance at Ford Field.

Offensive line (9)

In: Penei Sewell, Christian Mahogany, Tate Ratledge, Blake Miller, Larry Borom, Juice Scruggs, Miles Frazier, Melvin Priestly, Seth McLaughlin
Out: Devin Cochran, Michael Niese, Ben Bartch, Colby Sorsdal, Mason Miller
Injured: Giovanni Manu (NFI), Cade Mays

It appears Ben Bartch will not have enough reps to actually compete for a starting role. Given how much time the veteran lineman has missed, it is difficult to find a role for him at this time.

Defensive line (5)

In: Alim McNeill, Tyleik Williams, Tyler Lacy, Levi Onwuzurike, Skyler Gill-Howard
Out: Tyre West, Mekhi Wingo, Myles Adams, Chris Smith

Skyler Gill-Howard continues to shine and quickly became the Lions 2026 training camp darling.

EDGE (5)

In: Aidan Hutchinson, D.J. Wonnum, Derrick Moore, Ahmed Hassanein, Eric O'Neill
Out: Payton Turner, Anthony Lucas, Ben Stille

After a solid week of training camp, Eric O'Neill is making a solid push to cement a spot on the Detroit Lions roster in 2026. The game against the Colts next week can solidify his position even more.

Linebacker (6)

In: Jack Campbell, Derrick Barnes, Devin White, Malcolm Rodriguez, Trevor Nowaske, Erick Hunter
Out: Troy Reeder, Joe Bachie, Amen Ogbongbemiga, Damone Clark
Injured: Jimmy Rolder

Given the Detroit Lions schematic changes on defense, the team may elect to carry an extra linebacker.

Cornerback (7)

In: D.J. Reed, Rock Ya-Sin, Ennis Rakestraw, Nick Whiteside, Keith Abney, Khalil Dorsey, Christian Izien
Out: Aamaris Brown, Roger McCreary, Ryan Cooper Jr., Ekow Boye-Dow

Keith Abney continues to earn opportunities to compete on the outside and at nickel cornerback. His competitiveness and ability to bounce back quickly will serve him well his rookie season.

He did give up an explosive play against the Commanders, but teammates rallied around him and provided him coaching tips on the sidelines.

Safety (4)

In: Chuck Clark, Avonte Maddox, Dan Jackson, Thomas Harper
Injured: Kerby Joseph (PUP), Brian Branch (PUP)

The toughest decision the coaching staff may face this summer is whether Dan Jackson should make the 53-man roster.

The safety room has plenty of depth, but Jackson needs to make sure to has his best week of training camp and a solid performance in the preseason finale.

Specialist (3)

In: Jake Bates (K), Jack Fox (P), Hogan Hatten (LS)

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