By Moses Joshua 
Despite a lopsided loss, Detroit’s preseason opener offered a glimpse at emerging talent—and exposed some concerns that can’t be ignored.
A Tale of Two Sides: Promise and Problems in Preseason Loss
The Detroit Lions entered the Hall of Fame Game looking to evaluate depth and development, but Thursday’s 34-7 drubbing at the hands of the Los Angeles Chargers revealed more about who’s ready—and who’s not. Dan Campbell and his staff witnessed both encouraging flashes and glaring weak spots across the roster.
While veterans rested and top draft picks sat out, fringe players and hopefuls took the spotlight. Some made a strong case to climb the depth chart. Others? Not so much. Here’s a breakdown of the biggest winners and losers from the preseason opener.
Winners: Building Blocks in the Making
Isaac TeSlaa – Hands of Glue, Heart of a Fighter
The rookie wideout didn’t fill the stat sheet, but he stood out nonetheless. TeSlaa’s route precision and strong hands were on display as he caught two passes for 46 yards. His separation off the line and ability to secure contested grabs show he’s more than just a developmental piece—he’s competing for real reps. In a deep wide receiver room, he made the most of his chance.
Ahmed Hassanein – Raw Talent, Real Impact
A sixth-round pick with limited football experience, Hassanein flashed serious upside Thursday night. He lived in the Chargers’ backfield, nearly notching multiple sacks and making a pair of impressive run stops. His drive and energy mirrored the tutelage of Aidan Hutchinson, and he showed he’s adapting to NFL speed quickly.
Craig Reynolds – Consistent and Tough
Reynolds proved again why he’s one of Detroit’s most dependable depth backs. Carrying the ball 10 times for 38 yards and the Lions’ lone touchdown, he ran hard, protected the ball, and refused to go down on first contact. In a running back room full of questions, Reynolds continues to provide answers.
Rock Ya-Sin – Veteran Poise Under Pressure
While Detroit’s secondary was largely overmatched, Ya-Sin provided a rare bright spot. The veteran corner delivered two red-zone stops that prevented touchdowns—highlighting both his physicality and his awareness in crucial moments. He’s quietly cementing his value in a crowded defensive backfield.
Losers: Off the Mark and On the Bubble
Kyle Allen – Veteran Struggles, Costly Mistakes
Allen’s experience was supposed to give him an edge in the QB2 race. Instead, it exposed him. Two interceptions and a general discomfort in the pocket clouded his performance. While he connected on a few short throws, his deep passing lacked accuracy and confidence. For a player fighting for a roster spot, it was a night to forget.
Hendon Hooker – Opportunity Missed
This was supposed to be Hooker’s moment to shine. Instead, miscommunication with the sideline, a costly interception, and an overreliance on his legs left more questions than answers. For someone trying to prove he can back up Jared Goff, the performance didn’t help his case. The tools are there—but the polish isn’t.
Dominic Lovett – Talent Without Traction
Lovett had one of the roughest outings among skill players. A key dropped pass early and a late-game interception caused by a lack of strength at the catch point both hurt his stock. Though he showed some promise as a returner, Lovett will need to bounce back fast if he wants to stay in contention for a roster spot beyond special teams.
Final Thoughts
Yes, it’s just preseason. But these early outings matter—especially for players on the roster bubble. The Lions’ blowout loss to the Chargers was far from ideal, but it gave the coaching staff an invaluable first look at how young and untested players respond under the lights.
Some earned another look. Others may have burned their first real shot. And in a league where every rep counts, those differences matter.