Detroit Lions stock report: Risers, fallers at every position vs. Texans

The Detroit Lions’ fourth and final preseason game of the 2025 season is in the books, and it’s time to check back in on the players who helped or hurt their stock against the Houston Texans.

For injury or rest purposes, the Lions did not play 35 players in this preseason game of the 2025 season, with another six still sitting out due to being on an injury list (PUP/NFI).

Let’s take a quick look at an overview of the roster with our game day depth chart, noting that the players without a position color did not play in this game. Additionally, if a player’s name is written in red, they came into the game with an injury, but if they were injured in the game, their name is boxed in red.

Note: Players with an asterisk (*) are rookies

A second perfect preseason game from Allen has essentially won him the QB2 job.

“I thought Kyle did a good job again, this is three games in a row, and practice too, you can’t ever forget about these practices,” Lions coach Dan Campbell said following the game. “You got some errors in that Chargers game to start the season out, and really from there he’s just gotten better and better and better. Today was just evidence again of him really stepping up. I thought he did a good job. […] It’s good to see Kyle really take it to where he’s gone. Feel very comfortable with him.”

For Hooker, it was another disappointing game, lowlighted by five non-scoring drives and another that ended with a turnover. Campbell didn’t mince words in his post-game presser.

“How much development do you believe there still is? Sometimes does the player need a change of scenery? What about our own depth in other areas?” Campbell asked. “Look, I wish Hooker—and I know he does—would’ve had a better outing, […] I thought he was prepared. I thought he was ready. Looked pretty calm, just circumstances didn’t work out today.”

Not many surprises with the running backs group. Reynolds looked like RB3, and Saylors is the likely leading candidate for the practice squad.

TeSlaa did a walk-off-worm after catching a gorgeous 33-yard touchdown pass from Allen. The duo called it a day after that, and rightfully so.

I was really hoping for a showdown between Lovett and Meeks in their battle for WR6, but with Hooker’s struggles, both were blanked on the score sheet. Special teams didn’t help separate them much either, as both were the starting gunners on punt coverage, though Lovett did get a shot as a kick returner.

Kennedy and Bell are knocking on the door, but I’m not sure either provides enough special teams juice to warrant a WR6 role. Keeney-James and Taylor didn’t enter the game until the second half, illustrating their spot on the depth chart.

When Allen and TeSlaa exited, so did Zylstra (save a bit of special teams work), which points to him likely winning the TE3 job. Horton looked good as a blocker while at fullback, but he was flagged for a false start on offense and a holding penalty on special teams, certainly hurting his stock.

Awosika joined Allen, TeSlaa, and Zylstra by exiting after the first two drives (he was replaced by Niese), which points to him likely having security in his reserve roster role. Eguakun looks like he won the C2 role and continues to show well in the run game. Skipper, Manu, and Muti were solid, and if the Lions were keeping 10 offensive linemen, Muti would have a shot—I’m just not sold on that happening.

Muhammad solidified his spot as EDGE 3, and Agude had arguably his best game of the preseason, but was it too little too late? Lynn has been the best of the reserve trio (Lynn-Ukwu-Agude), and did get a couple of pressures in this game, but it’s also hard to predict if he did enough to win a spot. Ukwu has been steadily getting better, but again, it’s hard to justify a spot for him right now.

O’Connor started at the 4i, which is likely where he the role he’ll have to begin the season. Cooper continues to be steady, but the Lions’ 4i depth and Wingo’s acclimation period will likely determine his spot on the roster. Smith and Adams have been steady, and both started this game: Smith at nose tackle and Adams at 3-technique. It’s worth pointing out that when Martin came on, Smith shifted to the 3T in the second half, illustrating his dependability.

Nowaske made plays from the SAM and MIKE roles, and was arguably the team’s best defender against the Texans. In base sets, Nowaske played the SAM with the first and second teams, but when the Lions went into second-team nickel sets, he shifted to MIKE and showed off his range to run the field.

Tough day for the cornerbacks group, as even the player who made positive plays would make an obvious mistake just a few plays later. For example, George was upgraded to a starting role in this game, and showed great toughness setting the edge on a pulling lineman, executing textbook stacking-and-shedding. Unfortunately, just a few plays later, he got caught pushing inside too much and left a backside lane open for a rushing touchdown.

Hallett got the start at safety and has now started at all five defensive back spots this preseason. That incredible versatility gives coaches a sense of security and will certainly help his chances of making the roster. Strickland didn’t take the field until the second half for the third straight game, but he was smashing anyone who entered his part of the field. He looked great as a safety, but I still am confused as to why he’s not getting many starting special teams reps, despite earning a spot on last year’s roster because of his play in the third phase. Kennelly didn’t pop as much on defense, but he continues to start in multiple phases of special teams, even expanding his role on kick return.

Hatton executed a solid tackle on punt coverage and then stood up and flexed toward his teammates. I asked him about it in the locker room after the game, and he laughed, saying it probably felt like a bigger hit to him than it showed on TV. It’s always nice to see the players having a good time during the preseason.