Rookie report: newcomers failed to make their mark against Cowboys

Breaking down the Detroit Lions rookies and their contributions in the Week 11 loss to the Dallas Cowboys

In the 35-27 loss to the Dallas Cowboys, the rookies of the Detroit Lions had a relatively quiet game.

With just six games left for the 2019 season, it’s hard to pinpoint their struggles as ‘rookie mistakes’. Most have been thrown into starting roles over the last ten matchups with limited success and others are struggling to make the gameday roster.

So how did the rookies perform in last week’s game?

First-round draft pick T.J. Hockenson remained a non-factor on offense, making just one catch for six yards. That lack of production isn’t ideal, especially when the rookie was on the field for almost three-fourths of Detroit’s offensive snaps – more than the other two tight ends on the roster combined.

Linebacker Jahlani Tavai’s usage on-field has fluctuated from game-to-game this season. In this matchup, he served as the team’s third option at linebacker, giving up more of his snaps to Christian Jones. Tavai made just two tackles in this game, giving him a total of 36 on the year.

Will Harris lost his starting job to Tavon Walker this week but ended up moving back up on the depth chart following another injury to Tracy Walker. He had four tackles, the lowest of the starting defensive back group. Missed tackles and blown coverage have been a big issue for the rookie this season too.

After being inactive for nearly every game this season, Amani Oruwariye earned his first reps on defense. In nine snaps on defense, the fifth-rounder made a single tackle and didn’t allow the one pass against him to be completed. With the season coming close to an end, this is one rookie to keep an eye on moving forward.

Running back Ty Johnson appears to lost his starting role to newcomer aBo Scarborough, who was just recently signed to the active roster. Johnson couldn’t make the most out of his 19 snaps on offense, and came away with just three total touches for six yards. After being outperformed by nearly every offensive player active for Detroit against Dallas, it’s safe to say Johnson will have a lot to prove in the remainder of 2019.

Safety C.J. Moore’s role was strictly held to special teams this week, where he made one tackle.

Quarterback David Blough was active for this game but did not see the field. Offensive lineman Beau Benzschawel and cornerback Michael Jackson Sr. did not suit up against the Cowboys.

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