The Detroit Lions are set to face off against the Chicago Bears to start the season, but may do so without much help from their rookie class.
Rookies across the league this season will have a little more of a learning curve than rookies in years past due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The NFL canceled rookie minicamp, team OTAs, and the preseason.
On top of their inexperience, many of Detroit’s top rookies have been dealing with lingering injuries. To prevent something more serious, the team may opt to sideline their young players until they are healthy.
Here’s what to expect from the Lions’ 2020 rookie class this week.
CB Jeff Okudah
The Lions’ third-overall pick has been dealing with a hamstring injury throughout training camp and was listed as questionable to play in the first game of the season.
Between the injury and reports that the Lions may go with second-year Amani Oruwariye as a starter alongside Desmond Trufant, Okudah’s role on defense may be limited. While this doesn’t initially appear ideal for a first-round rookie, the Lions’ decision to limit Okudah earlier in the season will lower the risk of him suffering a more serious injury and missing more of the season.
Expect him to ride the bench for most of this week’s matchup, but don’t think he won’t be a full-time starter once he’s healthy.
RB D’Andre Swift
Detroit’s second-round pick was a full participant in practice this week after dealing with a hip injury for most of training camp. Officially listed as questionable for the game against the Bears, Swift may be given a light workload this week.
With Kerryon Johnson healthy and Adrian Peterson added to the backfield, don’t expect Swift to be making too many contributions on offense this week.
DE Julian Okwara
Like Okudah and Swift, Julian Okwara has been dealing with a leg injury recently and is questionable to play against Chicago.
With very little depth at the defensive end position, Okwara will likely go into this game as the primary backup to both his older brother Romeo and Trey Flowers.
RG Jonah Jackson
Jackson is slotted to be the Lions’ starting right guard this season after performing well in that role throughout training camp and the first week of practice.
He will take on the task of keeping Matthew Stafford safe from the likes of Bilal Nichols and Khalil Mack while opening up run lanes for Detroit’s committee of running backs.
Expect Jackson to show some rookie struggles, but ultimately hold his own against Chicago’s stout front-seven.
LG Logan Stenberg
Stenberg is heading into this season as Detroit’s backup left guard and center. With starters Joe Dahl and Frank Ragnow healthy, Stenberg isn’t expected to see the field this week.
DL John Penisini
As Detroit’s only backup nose tackle heading into Week 1, Penisini will sit behind Danny Shelton on the depth chart against Chicago.
Expect the fifth-round rookie to play on a rotational basis, coming in on obvious run plays and short-yardage situations.
WR Quintez Cephus
With starting wide receiver Kenny Golladay’s availability for this week looking doubtful, this rookie may be able to get some early looks on offense.
Though he will still be behind Marvin Hall on the depth chart, Cephus could get some reps as the team’s fourth receiver due to his versatility being both a deep threat as well as a big-bodied slot receiver.
Overall, don’t expect too much from the rookie receiver this week.
TE Hunter Bryant
The undrafted rookie has been ruled out against Chicago due to a hamstring injury.