By Sunday 
The Detroit Lions are gearing up for their Week 2 clash with the Chicago Bears, but inside Allen Park, the talk isn’t just about the next opponent — it’s about getting rookie defensive lineman Tyleik Williams more time on the field.
A Shrinking Role Raises Eyebrows
After logging over 21 snaps in each of his first seven games, Williams’ playing time has taken a dive — just 19 total plays in the last two games combined. Head coach Dan Campbell even issued a public challenge to his first-rounder earlier this week, urging him to “elevate his game” and fight his way back into the core rotation.
First-year defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard, however, made it clear that this isn’t a punishment — it’s competition. With veterans like DJ Reader and Alim McNeill holding down the trenches, and Roy Lopez surging with impressive performances, Williams finds himself battling a deep, hungry defensive line.
Sheppard’s Message: Earn It — But Expect More
Sheppard praised Williams’ potential while keeping it real about expectations.
“It’s no knock against him,” Sheppard said. “But I would like to see Tyleik play more with what he was doing early in the year… He should be playing more than eight to 10 snaps and we’ll make sure that happens.”
Still, the coach cautioned against focusing on snap counts instead of impact:
“We’re going to go with the guy that’s kind of hot that day.”
And lately, the “hot hand” has been Lopez.
Lopez Making the Most of His Moment
Roy Lopez has been an unexpected force. Despite limited snaps, he’s made every play count — five tackles, a sack, and two tackles for loss in the win over Washington. He also earned the highest Pro Football Focus grade among Lions defenders in that game.
Sheppard recalled first noticing Lopez last season against the Cardinals:
“Frank Ragnow and Hank Fraley said, ‘That dude’s real.’ … He doesn’t get the credit he deserves.”
With hustle, quickness, and a selfless attitude, Lopez has turned into a rotation disruptor — and that’s made life tougher for the rookie.
The Case for More Tyleik
Still, the stats don’t lie: when Williams is on the field, Detroit’s run defense thrives.
- With Williams: 3.4 yards per rush allowed (best in NFL)
- Without Williams: 4.7 yards per rush (23rd)
That’s a massive difference — one that even Campbell can’t ignore.
“Tyleik’s just a young guy, continuing to get better,” Campbell told 97.1 The Ticket. “All he needs to do is elevate his game, and then he’ll be in front of them.”
Bottom Line
The Lions’ defensive front has depth — maybe too much for its own good. But Sheppard’s promise that “we’ll make sure that happens” sounds like Williams’ redemption arc is coming soon.
If his early-season dominance returns, don’t be surprised if Detroit’s already-tough defense gets even nastier down the stretch.