Tough outing: It was a tough outing for quarterback Hendon Hooker, who is trying to make a case for inclusion on the initial 53-man roster. Hooker was just 6-of-11 passing for 70 yards with no touchdowns and an interception. The Lions gained just 90 total yards of offense in Hooker’s six series of work Saturday.
Defensive standouts: I thought linebacker Trevor Nowaske and safety Loren Strickland had really nice performances Saturday. Nowaske played the MIKE and WILL, finishing with nine tackles and a quarterback hit. Strickland was all over the field in the pass and run games, finishing with nine tackles and a tackle for loss.
Kickoff return: The Lions think they might have something in veteran linebacker Grant Stuard as a kickoff returner. They love his speed and north-south run style and have been teaching him ball security along the way. His first kickoff return Saturday nearly went to the house but the last defender was able trip him up at the 45-yard line after a 44-yard return.