Lions spotlight: 5 players to watch closely in preseason game vs Falcons

USA Today

4 days ago

Russ Brown looks at five Lions to watch closely in Friday night's game in Atlanta
The Detroit Lions play the Atlanta Falcons tonight for their second preseason game of the summer. Despite a lackluster performance against the Los Angeles Chargers in the Hall of Fame, there should be an expectation for improvement tonight. There are plenty of questions that need to be answered before the Lions kickoff the 2025 regular season but for now let's focus on 5 players for the game tonight!
WR Isaac TeSlaa
Regardless of the outcome in the Hall of Fame against the Chargers last week, it was a strong debut from Isaac TeSlaa. In that game, TeSlaa moved with ease on his routes and showed off plenty of speed as a gunner on special teams. He finished with 2 receptions for 46 yards and was one of the most productive players on the night for the Lions.
Coming out of that game, it's been one of the most important weeks of practice this summer for TeSlaa. Mainly due to the fact that he saw time this past week in practice with the first team offense. As WR Tim Patrick struggles continue, TeSlaa has earned a bigger role in the offense and he's running full steam with it. There should be plenty of focus on his performance tonight.
TE / FB Zach Horton
It's unclear if the Lions will keep 3 or 4 tight ends on the roster. But Zach Horton may be a step ahead of players such as Shane Zylstra and Kenny Yeboah right now. Mainly due to the fact that Horton was utilized quite a bit last week as an H-back and fullback.
The way it appears right now is that Horton has an edge over the competition. But continuously having strong performances throughout the preseason will be pivotal on Horton's roster spot. Look for him to be heavily used in the Lions second preseason game against the Falcons tonight.
DE Ahmed Hassanien
The debut for Hassanien was strong. Rarely looking out of place, it's clear that he belongs in Detroit and can contribute right away on this defensive line. Despite having reps against the Chargers where he got washed, it was mostly a positive start to his Lions career.
Playing with good physicality and showing strong pursuit to the football, Hassanien looks the part up to this point. With Josh Paschal not scheduled to be activated until at least September, there's plenty of time and opportunity for Hassanien to define his role on the Lions defense.
WR Tim Patrick
Rather than Tim Patrick, this would have been fellow WR Dominic Lovett. However, it doesn't appear that Lovett (abdomen) will be playing this week. That said, if Patrick does play, it would be promising to see positive production from him. It's worth noting that Patrick left practice early on Wednesday but there's no further news on his status at this time.
One season removed from rejuvenating his career in Detroit with 33 receptions for 394 yards and three touchdowns, it's been a slow start for Patrick. Looking like he's somewhat lost in the shuffle, it would be encouraging to see Patrick play two or three drives for the Lions offense tonight. As mentioned above, all eyes should be on TeSlaa and Patrick for the Lions 3rd receiver spot on offense.
OT Giovanni Manu
Last week I was supposed to do a film study on Giovanni Manu. Unfortunately, it was a very vanilla performance from the second year offensive tackle out of British Columbia. There were instances of him handling a blitz or T-E stunt just fine but other reps where his hands hit too wide or too high.
Fortunately, Manu should get plenty of reps in the game against the Falcons. With Dan Skipper dealing with an ankle injury, we should see Manu start the game and potentially play most of the first half. Despite looking more controlled and quicker than a season ago, there's still some inconsistencies within his game. Building off last week will be important as the Lions begin to shape their 53-man roster for this season.