Lions’ Season Finale Sparks Opportunity for Roster Assessment
The Detroit Lions find themselves in a unique position heading into their season finale against the Chicago Bears this Sunday. After being eliminated from playoff contention in Week 17, the stakes may seem low. However, this final matchup presents an invaluable opportunity for head coach Dan Campbell and his coaching staff to evaluate crucial pieces that could shape the team’s future.
With significant roster turnover looming this offseason, the Lions are poised to use this game to assess a handful of players who could play pivotal roles moving forward. Here are four Lions players who stand to gain from increased playing time in this critical contest.
DT Tyleik Williams
Tyleik Williams has navigated the ups and downs typical of a rookie season in the NFL. Following two tough outings against formidable opponents like the Rams and Steelers, the Ohio State alum rebounded impressively with a solid performance against the Minnesota Vikings on Christmas Day. In that Week 17 contest, Williams recorded his first career sack, alongside a pressure, during 23 defensive snaps.
Throughout the season, the 22-year-old defensive lineman has participated in all 16 games, amassing 17 total tackles, three quarterback hits, and three passes defensed. His Pro Football Focus overall grade stands at a respectable 61.7. Given his recent progress, Williams is expected to see an uptick in snaps against the Bears, allowing him to further demonstrate his potential.
RB Sione Vaki
The Lions are also looking to clarify the role of running back Sione Vaki, a versatile player they selected with a fourth-round pick in the 2024 draft. Despite his potential, Vaki’s offensive involvement has been minimal throughout the season. With the outcome of Sunday’s game largely inconsequential, the Lions can afford to give Vaki more touches to assess his capacity to perform against NFL-level competition.
Whether utilized as a runner, receiver, or in a gadget role, additional live reps could provide vital insights into how Vaki fits within the backfield moving into the 2026 season.
CB Nick Whiteside
Nick Whiteside, a product of Saginaw Valley State, has been part of Detroit’s secondary, often referred to informally as the team’s “legion of whom.” Although he did not log any snaps at cornerback in Week 17, Whiteside contributed eight snaps on special teams. The 25-year-old has appeared in eight games this season, and this final match offers him a chance to showcase his skills and potentially solidify a more prominent role in the Lions’ defensive schemes moving forward.
Conclusion
As the Lions prepare to face the Bears, the focus will be on evaluating talent rather than securing a playoff berth. The opportunity to assess young players like Williams, Vaki, and Whiteside could significantly influence the team’s direction in the offseason. With a potential roster overhaul on the horizon, this game may serve as a crucial stepping stone for the future of the Detroit Lions.
