The Detroit Lions are taking on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 16 and over the final two games of the season, it will be a prime opportunity for their rookies to get some extra looks.
Let’s take a look at what their expectations are for this game.
RB D’Andre Swift
The rookie running back is set to start against Tampa Bay’s stout run defense. This season, the Buccaneers defense has allowed an average of 3.4 yards-per-carry against them, including just one 100-yard rusher.
Swift is coming off a very good week with two touchdowns and 67 yards on the ground. At the top of the depth chart, the second-round rookie will continue playing in his new role as Detroit’s all-purpose back.
With Matthew Stafford questionable and several starting offensive linemen dealing with injuries, Swift may have a harder time at running the ball, but he should still be an integral part of the offense.
EDGE Julian Okwara
The younger of the two Okwara brothers will take the field for the first time since Week 6. The rookie had a very limited role on defense, taking a mere 30 defensive snaps in the four games he was active. Okwara did not record any tackles, sacks, or pressures in that span.
He will serve as a JACK linebacker on Detroit’s defense, likely being Austin Bryant’s backup. As he has been on injured reserve for most of the year, it is hard to know what to expect from the third-round rookie.
Detroit’s pass rush has been less than optimal in 2020 and regardless of how many snaps Okwara plays, it will be good to have more bodies at the edge.
OL Jonah Jackson and Logan Stenberg
As mentioned earlier, the Lions have a slew of injuries to their starting offensive line.
Pro Bowl center Frank Ragnow will miss his second straight week after suffering a fractured throat. Right tackle Tyrell Crosby already has been ruled out, while Halapoulivaati Vaitai and Taylor Decker are listed as questionable heading into this game but are expected to start.
Luckily, rookie Jonah Jackson is healthy and will continue serving as Detroit’s starting left guard. The rookie out of Ohio State has allowed just four sacks on the 910 offensive snaps he’s played.
Stenberg has yet to see the field on offense, even when the Lions were struggling with offensive line injuries. He is inactive once against this week.
WR Quintez Cephus
Cephus has cemented his role as the fourth receiver on the depth chart.
Though he hasn’t been putting up big numbers, he has come through for some big plays. Last week, he caught just one pass for 36 yards, showing that he has the ability to contribute, but needs some more time to develop and learn the offense.
Expect Cephus to make a few catches against Tampa Bay, but don’t expect a big showing from the rookie.
DL John Penisini
Penisini has exceeded expectations as a sixth-round rookie. At the beginning of the season, many thought he’d take a small share of snaps while serving as Danny Shelton’s backup. Instead, he rose up the ranks and began seeing big shares of playing time on the defensive line.
In each of the last two games, the rookie nose tackle has recorded a tackle-for-loss. He has to develop more as a pass rusher, but he he has been able to put some pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
Expect Penisini to record a few tackles and make some plays against the run. Luckily for him and the defensive line, Tampa Bay will be without starting running back Ronald Jones.
TE Hunter Bryant
After two very quiet games as Detroit’s third option at tight end, Bryant showed up in a big way with a 44-yard reception from the slot receiver role.
Bryant garnered plenty of hype as an undrafted rookie, and though he has just one career reception, it gave us a look at what he could be capable of down the line. He’s a versatile tight end with a unique skill set who could find himself with a bigger role next season.
Don’t expect too much from Bryant this week as he still is last in line on the tight end depth chart. The undrafted rookie should bring in one or two receptions as Detroit tries to gain a win in Tampa Bay.