The Detroit Lions have established a precedent of not playing their starters in the preseason and instead opting to get them their necessary work in a more controlled practice environment. At the same time, the Lions also believe that it’s paramount to get their rookies as many snaps during training camp/preseason as possible in order to shorten their developmental curve. Unfortunately, the Lions will occasionally find themselves in a situation where these two philosophies are in contrast.

At the center of this Venn diagram of philosophies are the Lions’ top two draft picks: Tyleik Williams and Tate Ratledge. Both have established themselves in starting roles at defensive tackle and right guard, respectively.

Williams and Ratledge were held out of the Lions Hall of Fame preseason game ag

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