The Lions wrapped up their preseason Thursday night with a 31-0 victory over the Buffalo Bills.
Big plays were made in every phase of the game as guys made their final bids for inclusion on the initial 53-man roster.
"This is like the last interview for a lot of the guys out there," defensive end Ziggy Ansah told Fox 2 at halftime. "I'll tell you one thing, they came out to play today. I love the energy they're bringing out here."
Rookie running back Dwayne Washington continued his impressive preseason with a 58-yard run on Detroit's opening possession.
"Aw man, Dwayne, the sky's the limit for him man," running back Ameer Abdullah told Fox 2 at halftime of Washington.
"I feel like he can bring a lot to this running game. He's a bigger guy with speed, so that's exactly what we need on this team to help this running game improve every day, and I'm excited to hopefully add him to the team and get going next week."
ROSTER MOVES
The Lions made several moves this week to get down to the league-mandated 75-player roster.
"Cuts are never easy," head coach Jim Caldwell said Monday.
"Today is one of those days that's not one of your favorite days, because you get a lot of guys that have a lot of hopes and dreams about playing in this league, and it's just been delayed for them."
Among the moves was a trade that sent wide receiver Jeremy Kerly to the 49ers in exchange for guard Brandon Thomas. Thomas spent the past two seasons with San Francisco after the 49ers selected him in the third round (100th overall) in the 2014 NFL Draft.
The team also placed wide receiver Corey Fuller and tight end Brandon Pettigrew on Reserve/PUP, and were awarded LB Jayson DiManche via waivers. DiManche joins the Lions following previous stints with the Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals.
With Saturday's 53-man roster deadline approaching, additional moves are looming.
COMPETITION CONTINUES
Even after the first wave of roster moves, the competition continues at every level -- whether it's for a roster spot, or a starting job.
Wide receiver Andre Roberts isn't focusing on the upcoming deadline, he's keeping his mind on his own play.
"I don't worry about that," he said after practice Monday. "That's not in my control. I've been doing it for a while. It doesn't matter if you're a starter or coming into a new team, there (are) guys coming to take your spot, so you have to be on your toes at all times."
Competition can also help make players better, as is the case with strong safeties Rafael Bush and Tavon Wilson, who are currently vying for a starting role.
"It bodes well, I think, for us," Caldwell said. "We have two veteran guys that have certainly been extremely active and they've done a great job."
OTHER NOTEWORTHY ITEMS:
- Go behind the scenes with Episode 4 of "Inside the Den" Detroit Lions 2016 training camp.
- Watch Jim Caldwell and Lions players give their reactions to the news that retired Lion Calvin Johnson will be joining the Dancing with the Stars cast.
- After watching preseason games from the sideline, tight end Eric Ebron is eager to get back on the field.
- Read how rookie left tackle Taylor Decker has been steadily improving from week to week.
- One of these days – much sooner than later, head coach Jim Caldwell expects – the Lions will get a return on the heavy investment they've made to build their offensive line.
