ALLEN PARK, Mich. – Of all the competitions on the Detroit Lions roster, none is closer than the one at wide receiver.
Head coach Jim Caldwell said he would like to see some guys separate themselves because other than Calvin Johnson and Golden Tate, there is a logjam for a varying number of spots than can range from two to four, depending on special teams and the rest of the roster.
With that in mind and a pivotal third preseason game Friday against Jacksonville, here’s a quick handicapping of where things stand for each player with the understanding that a lot -- a lot -- can change in the next week.
Calvin Johnson: He’s on the team, obviously, and has remained healthy throughout camp. Caldwell won’t commit to playing him Friday and if he doesn’t, it's more than likely that he won’t play at all this preseason. Roster lock.
Golden Tate: He’s also on the team as the No. 2 receiver. He’s played in the first two preseason games and will likely play for a half Friday against the Jaguars. Combined with Johnson, they are among the more potent 1-2 combinations in the league. Roster lock.
Corey Fuller: He seems somewhat close to a lock, but hasn’t been all that effective in limited snaps this preseason. He is essentially the backup to Johnson and has track speed on straight-line deep routes that most of Detroit’s other receivers don’t possess. He’s in his third season, so this could be a make-or-break season as a depth receiver for him. If he receives a bunch of first-unit reps Friday, then that increases his lock status even more. Chances of being on roster: Likely
Jeremy Ross: He is going to be a guy to watch Friday. If he’s still the No. 1 returner and is on the punt-coverage team, figure he’s in a pretty good position. He has received a decent amount of first-team reps and is the incumbent returner. As long as he’s the returner – or still in the competition – he has a good chance of being on the roster. Chances of being on roster: Decent.
Lance Moore: He’s a veteran and has run a lot with the first group in practice. Joe Lombardi also worked with him in New Orleans and that familiarity could be a factor. He doesn’t have much special-teams value, but if the Lions view him as their main guy in the slot, he’ll make the roster. It could be tough for him to be on the team as a pure depth guy because of the special-teams question. Chances of being on the roster: Better than good.
TJ Jones: This is where it gets tricky. Jones likely has a spot with the Lions, but the bigger question is if it is on the 53-man roster or the practice squad, should he clear waivers. He has some special-teams ability and had a good first game as a returner but appeared to misjudge a punt return in the second preseason game. He is also young, so there is some development time available there. If he wins the returner job, he’s on the team. If not, he’s probably destined for the practice squad. He’s another player to watch Friday in terms of how he’s used. Chances of being on the roster: Just under 50-50.
Ryan Broyles: He’s a tough case, but it could be difficult for him to make the roster. A former second-round pick, Broyles has made plays when he’s been in the game – but that has been mostly in the back half of games with guys who aren’t going to be on NFL rosters. Fuller, Ross and Jones all offer more special-teams usage either as returners or gunners. He still has a chance if he has a massive game Friday, but he would really have to separate himself from younger guys or guys with multipurpose value. Chances of being on the roster: Not great.
Greg Salas: The veteran leads the Lions in receiving yards in the preseason and leads the Lions receivers in catches. He has experience and has looked really sharp at times. But he isn’t in the returner competition, which could hurt. The Lions seem to like him, though, and he is another guy to watch when it comes to first- half reps Friday. If he can shine Friday, he might force his way into being a very difficult decision. But right now, he’s probably on the outside looking in. Chances of being on the roster: Not great.
Andrew Peacock, Vernon Johnson: Neither has done enough to really be in the roster conversation right now, at least in my eyes. One or both could end up with the Lions on the practice squad, though. Just too much of a logjam ahead of them.