Lions Bubble Watch After Giants Victory: Offense

Evaluating Lions' roster bubble after first preseason game.

The Detroit Lions were able to secure a 21-16 victory against the New York Giants in their preseason opener. 

Certain players stepped up, while others were not able to get their name off of the roster bubble list. 

Lets examine the offensive roster bubble, after Detroit's first preseason game of 2023. 

Quarterback

• Nate Sudfeld
• Adrian Martinez

Now that Teddy Bridgewater is on the roster and will begin practicing this week, Sudfeld's time in Detroit is not guaranteed. 

Sudfeld appears to have had his confidence rocked, as his performances have steadily become worse each practice since the Bridgewater rumors heated up. 

Martinez put a good amount of productive film for the coaching staff to review. His development in the Lions system will take place on the practice squad, if he remains with the organization. 

Running back

• Craig Reynolds
• Jermar Jefferson
• Mohamed Ibrahim
• Benny Snell
• Devine Ozigbo

Injuries to Reynolds and Jefferson have made it more challenging to decipher which back should remain on the roster. 

With Justin Jackson's sudden retirement, the third running back position is now a wide open competition. 

This week practicing and playing against the Jaguars should start to answer some growing questions at the running backs position. 

Ibrahim is steadily making strides at practice. 

One more good week against the Jaguars could see the talented running back completely off the roster bubble list. 

Wide receiver

• Trinity Benson
• Trey Quinn

Multiple receivers made a case they still belonged on the roster this week.

Antoine Green, Chase Cota and Maurice Alexander all have taken their name off of the bubble list this week. 

Cota was a bright spot against the Giants, while Alexander has garnered respect for his highlight-reel punt return, which featured multiple spin moves. 

Tight end

• Darrell Daniels
• Daniel Helm

Not much has changed, as the tight end room seems to have taken shape through the first three weeks of training camp. 

Offensive lineman

• Kayode Awosika
• Obinna Eze
• Darrin Paulo
• Max Pircher
• Ryan Swoboda
• Brad Cecil
• Connor Galvin

Unfortunately, Ross Pierschbacher was waived with an injury designation after going down early against the Giants. 

The injury likely gives Germain Ifedi a strong opportunity to remain off the bubble for a period of time. 

While it is advantageous to have strong depth along the offensive line, those on the bubble have not done much to change the minds of the coaching staff. 

Logan Stenberg is now a member of the Chicago Bears, as his career in Motown never got off the ground.  

The Lions are now signing former Indianapolis Colts center Alex Mollette after a successful workout.