We’re just a couple days away from the Detroit Lions’ preseason opener in Canton, Ohio, for the Hall of Fame game, and coach Dan Campbell has an interesting decision on his hands.
For most of his tenure, Campbell has opted to rest most—if not all—of his starters during the preseason. When it comes to the high-end starters, Campbell chooses to get those players regular season ready via in-house scrimmages and joint practices. This year, the Lions will host a total of three joint practices, giving those folks the same opportunity to get what is close to live reps.
But Campbell has already indicated that he may end up playing two potential starters in the preseason this year. When asked about whether rookies will play in the preseason—with a heavy inference about first- and second-round picks Tyleik Williams and Tate Ratledge—Campbell said those players need some playing time.
“I think all of those guys need to play in a game, or games,” Campbell said on Saturday. “So, I think our young guys are going to–I see them playing in this game. Now, am I going to say that it’s written in stone right now? No, I’m not. But I think I’d like to play those guys. That’s the good news. We got four games here starting with the Hall of Fame to get them some reps, so that’ll be the plan.”
It’s not controversial to think that young players should get some preseason play. In fact, those are exactly the kind of players who will benefit most from game action. However, Williams and Ratledge are a bit different. For one, they’re pretty darn good players already. Secondly, those players are currently slotted for starting roles at relatively thin positions. If they get injured during the preseason, it could be devastating.
So today’s Question of the Day is:
Should Tyleik Williams, Tate Ratledge play in the preseason?
My answer: Yes, but both should be relatively brief. Any more than a quarter of play seems a little much.
Let’s first look at those positions. If Williams were to suffer an injury—after the loss of Levi Onwuzurike and the current injuries to Alim McNeill and Mekhi Wingo—the Lions would be in line to have to start someone like Pat O’Connor alongside DJ Reader. If not him, we’re talking Chris Smith, Raequan Williams, or Keith Cooper. These are players not even projected to make the team.
And if Ratledge suffers an injury, Detroit would likely default to one of two veterans on the team: Netane Muti or Kayode Awosika. That’s not a nightmare scenario exactly, but those two have gotten almost zero work with the starters thus far.
With Ratledge, in particular, I do think the extra work is worth it. The Lions are going to be relying a ton on him this year, and the offensive line is critical to this team’s success. Since the Lions have already bounced him around between center and guard, the more reps he gets at both, the better. I do think the depth is a little better at this position, so if they wanted to play Ratledge a little longer than a quarter, I get it.
Williams is also going through a bit of a position transition. While he played plenty of three-tech (3T) in college, he’s going to be asked to do more than just run block and two-gap in Detroit’s defense. The Lions see some pass rush potential in him, and that requires an entirely new approach to his game. In that sense, Williams will likely benefit from some playing time in the preseason. However, the team is just too battered and bruised at defensive tackle that I would not extend his opportunities beyond a series or two.
What do you think? Vote in the poll below and share your reasoning in the comment section at the bottom of the page.
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