Rookie minicamp observations: Ratledge snapping, TeSlaa snagging, and a few tryout defenders flash

Allen Park — For the first time since last season’s abrupt end, we got a chance to see some football being played at the Detroit Lions’ practice facility. On Friday, the team opened its three-day rookie minicamp.

Here are some observations from that padless practice. Remember, this is the first day on the job for most of the 40 individuals in uniform, so we're not going to get too carried away.

● Of the 40 players taking part in the minicamp, including 19 tryouts, only first-round draft pick Tyleik Williams didn’t participate. The defensive tackle was working off to the side with a trainer.

Williams downplayed the situation, although he recently shared a post on social media about continuing to work his way back from a hamstring injury he suffered during his pro day workout.

The Lions are typically cautious with these types of injuries, focused on not making a small issue worse. As long as Williams is able to get the mental reps and classroom work this weekend, there should be no concern.

● Second-round draft pick Tate Ratledge spent a considerable part of the day working at center. Often, these position shuffles are out of necessity — we’ve seen coaches stepping in to play QB at rookie minicamp in the past — but in this instance, the Lions had two experienced centers on the field in second-year man Kingsley Eguakun and undrafted rookie Leif Fautanu.