Detroit — Here are some Detroit Lions players who are trending up, down and staying level out of the team’s preseason matchup with the Washington Commanders.
Trending up: Defensive tackle Skyler Gill-Howard
The sixth-round pick saw more than 20 snaps, primarily in passing situations. He affected the pocket, registering multiple pressures, including a half-sack that was wiped out by a penalty away from the ball.
Gill-Howard also knifed into the backfield on one of his few run plays to drop the ball carrier for a 3-yard loss.
After a sluggish start to camp, the undersized lineman continues to rapidly gain positive momentum as the regular season approaches. His first-step quickness is proving problematic for opposing blockers.
Trending down: Cornerback Keith Abney
After spending the week of practice repping as the nickel corner with the first-team defense, the rookie defender had a rough showing against the Commanders. He allowed three completions on four targets, and the receiver had separation on the fourth, a sideline shot that was wide and uncatchable.