The anticipation surrounding the Detroit Lions’ roster is palpable as fans eagerly await the debut of the team’s top draft picks, Tyleik Williams and Tate Ratledge. However, it seems they’ll have to exercise a bit more patience before these rookies take the field in a game setting. According to head coach Dan Campbell, both players are expected to sit out the Hall of Fame game against the Los Angeles Chargers, scheduled for Thursday, July 31.
“We talked about it as a staff and it’s like, ‘Why don’t we just wait and play them in Atlanta?’” Campbell explained, directing attention towards the Lions’ second preseason game against the Falcons on August 8. The coaching staff is focused on ensuring that Williams and Ratledge get ample practice reps at camp before throwing them into the game action.
Despite missing this initial opportunity, Williams, the first-round pick, has been making waves by working with the first-team defense. His ability to rise to the occasion is particularly notable given the current injury situation on the Lions’ defensive line, with Alim McNeill still on the mend from a torn ACL and Levi Onwuzurike out for the season following significant knee surgery. Williams is gaining valuable experience as he competes against Ratledge during practice, who, just like Williams, is adjusting to life in the NFL after being selected in the second round.
Ratledge’s versatility has been on display as he transitions from center to right guard, a role he thrived in during his collegiate career at Georgia, where he was a three-year starter. Campbell seems satisfied with this arrangement, especially with veteran Graham Glasgow anchoring the offensive line and snapping the ball to quarterback Jared Goff. “It looked pretty damn good,” Campbell said regarding their performance during the initial padded practices.
As for Ratledge, taking these right guard reps is a critical part of his development, and the support from Glasgow should only help him settle into a rhythm. The coaching staff is optimistic about how this deployment will benefit both the offensive line and the overall progression of the team.
In other updates from Lions camp, safety Kerby Joseph has been sidelined for the past two practices with some knee irritation, but Campbell is hopeful for his return by Saturday. Defensive end Josh Paschal, who is recovering from a clean-up surgery, seems set to rejoin practice in early September, which is another positive development for the Lions as they look to bolster their defense.
Overall, while fans might feel a bit disappointed about missing out on seeing Williams and Ratledge in the Hall of Fame game, the focus is on their long-term readiness. With a solid coaching strategy in place and a strong support system among the veterans, these rookies have the potential to significantly impact the Lions’ season when they do hit the field. The journey is just beginning, and the pieces are falling into place beautifully.
