3 rookies to watch in Lions preseason game vs. the Falcons

The Detroit Lions will take on the Atlanta Falcons in their second preseason game on Friday night at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The Lions are hoping for a better performance than what was on display in the 34-7 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game on July 31st.

One of the bright spots from the Lions in the blowout loss was the play of several of their rookies. Heading into the Friday night matchup against the Falcons, here are some of the rookies to watch.

Will Tate Ratledge and Tyleik Williams make their debut?

After not appearing in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game, many Lions fans are wondering if 2025 NFL Draft selections Tate Ratledge and Tyleik Williams will make their debuts on Friday night. Lions head coach Dan Campbell said earlier this week that he'd like to see both players make their debut against the Falcons, but he hasn't made that decision yet.

While injuries are always a concern in preseason games, not having Williams and Ratledge receive reps would be a huge mistake for the Lions heading into the regular season, especially with both expected to have major roles on the team.

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Since Frank Ragnow announced his retirement, Ratledge has stepped in as the starting right guard for the Lions and will be a critical piece to Detroit's offensive line this season. The Lions' first-round draft selection, Williams, could be a potential starter with defensive tackle Alim McNeil expected to miss the first few months of the season.

What impact can Ahmed Hassanein have against the Falcons?

Lions rookie defensive end Ahmed Hassanein made his debut in Detroit's first preseason matchup. He recorded four tackles in his debut. Entering the game against the Falcons, Hassanein is expected to play, and Lions fans are wondering if he can improve on his first game.

Hassanein has the makings to be a great defensive end for the Lions. When Detroit selected him 196th overall in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, the former Boise State defensive end said to Campbell over the phone, "I will die for you." Hassanein is the exact type of player the Lions are looking to build on defense for the future.

In four seasons with Boise State, Hassanein recorded 119 total tackles, 24 sacks, and three forced fumbles. He was a leader on a Boise State team that clinched a spot in the College Football Playoff last season. Hassanein looks to bring that same leadership to the NFL with the Lions.

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