By Blessing 
Predicting the Final Offensive Roster Spots After Week 1 of Lions Training Camp
The first week of Detroit Lions training camp is in the books, and already, things are shifting. The competition is heating up, and that’s made a clear impact on the team’s roster bubble. When we started our “Bubble Watch” last week, we had 40 players considered safe bets to make the 53-man roster. Just one week later, that number has dropped to 37.
Thanks to rising performances, injuries, and positional battles, the race for the final offensive roster spots is getting tight. Over the weekend, the Pride of Detroit staff revisited their predictions. Here’s how things are shaping up after Week 1 of camp:
Quarterback
- Locked in: Jared Goff
- Bubble Watch: Hendon Hooker – 11 votes (no change)
- Outside looking in: Kyle Allen – 0 votes (no change)
Hooker has had a strong start and remains the clear favorite for the backup QB role. That said, Kyle Allen did get reps as the No. 2 quarterback on Day 1 and has held his own in practice. While that hasn’t earned him any roster prediction votes yet, Thursday’s preseason action could open the door for a shakeup.
Running Back
- Locked in: Jahmyr Gibbs, David Montgomery, Craig Reynolds, Sione Vaki
The backfield feels pretty set right now, with no new challengers making serious waves. However, there is some uncertainty surrounding Sione Vaki, who’s currently nursing an injury. If it lingers, there’s a possibility he ends up on injured reserve to start the year, which could open up a spot—but for now, that’s just speculation.
Wide Receiver
- Locked in: Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, Tim Patrick, Kalif Raymond, Isaac TeSlaa
- On the Bubble:
- Dominic Lovett – 11 votes (up 1)
- Ronnie Bell – 0 votes (down 1)
- Tom Kennedy, Jackson Meeks, Jakobie Keeney-James – 0 votes
The rookies are making noise, especially seventh-round pick Dominic Lovett, who is now firmly leading the race among the fringe WRs. Ronnie Bell has had some flashes in camp but is mostly repping with the third-team offense, which hasn’t helped his case. Lovett’s consistent performance gives him a growing edge over the undrafted options
Tight End
- Locked in: Sam LaPorta, Brock Wright
- Bubble Watch:
- Shane Zylstra – 10 votes (up 1)
- Kenny Yeboah – 1 vote (down 1)
- Zach Horton – 0 votes
So far, Zylstra is doing everything right—he’s been reliable, productive, and versatile. He’s earned high reps throughout camp and appears to be pulling away from the pack. While Horton has intrigued coaches, Zylstra’s lead feels steady at this stage.
Offensive Tackle
- Locked in: Taylor Decker, Penei Sewell, Giovanni Manu
- Bubble Watch:
- Dan Skipper – 11 votes (no change)
- Jamarco Jones, Colby Sorsdal – 0 votes
Even though Manu has had some inconsistencies in his second camp, it’s too early to consider him on the bubble. That leaves just one available tackle spot, and Dan Skipper continues to hold it down. He’s been the first-team left tackle all camp, despite facing tough matchups against Aidan Hutchinson and Marcus Davenport. Sorsdal, meanwhile, has been working with the third team and showcasing his versatility by rotating across all five OL positions. Next week, he may be reclassified as an interior lineman in our Bubble Watch.
Interior Offensive Line
- Locked in: Graham Glasgow, Tate Ratledge, Christian Mahogany, Miles Frazier
- Bubble Watch:
- Kayode Awosika – 8 votes (up 2)
- Kingsley Eguakun – 6 votes (up 6)
- Netane Muti – 5 votes (no change)
- Miles Frazier – 2 votes (moved from “safe”)
- Michael Niese, Trystan Colon – 1 vote each
One of the biggest changes this week is Miles Frazier dropping from “safe” to bubble status. He’s dealing with a knee injury, and according to Dan Campbell, he could be sidelined until “let’s call it September, October. Let’s say something like that.” That opens the door for someone else to sneak onto the final roster.
Kayode Awosika has strengthened his case by consistently working with the second-team unit. Meanwhile, Kingsley Eguakun had the initial lead in the battle for backup center, getting the first reps among a rotating group that includes Niese and Colon. That rotation will likely continue through camp, with performance being the key decider.
Interestingly, Netane Muti hasn’t moved up or down. He’s also repping with the second team but hasn’t done enough yet to separate from the crowd.
Final Thoughts
There’s still a long way to go, and with preseason games just around the corner, expect these roster battles to only get more intense. Injuries, reps, and big performances under the lights will shape the final 53. But after just one week, it’s already clear—nothing is set in stone.