Tyleik Williams has been playing less and less on Sundays lately.
The Lions’ first-round rookie, who they selected 28th overall in the 2025 NFL Draft back in April, played just eight defensive snaps in Detroit’s 44-22 win over the Washington Commanders on Sunday.
This comes after he saw just 11 snaps in the Lions’ 27-24 loss to the Minnesota Vikings in Week 9 and 22 in their 24-9 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 7. He had averaged 30.5 snaps in Detroit’s first six games,
Defensive tackle Alim McNeill’s return from injury against Tampa Bay would definitely explain a general decrease in snaps for the rookie. But to be playing less than a third of his average early-season snap count? There’s got to be more to it than that.
“Tyleik’s just a young guy that is continuing to get better and growing,” Campbell said on his weekly radio appearance on 97.1 The Ticket. “There’s a little inconsistency at times, but that’s not out of the norm. Correct it, get a little bit better, and move on.”
It hasn’t been the most productive season for Williams. He currently has six tackles, one tackle for loss, and three passes defended on the year. Although, admittedly, it’s tough to quantify a defensive lineman’s impact using the box score.
McNeill isn’t the only interior lineman playing over Williams. There’s, of course, veteran run stuffer D.J. Reader, who’s played over half of the Lions’ defensive snaps this season. And Roy Lopez, signed this offseason from Arizona, has out-snapped Williams in the last two games (14 and 12).
Lopez had two tackles for loss against Washington, including half a sack.
“He’s playing at a high level, man,” Campbell said about Lopez. “It’s one of the reasons we wanted him here. He’s an outstanding role player for us. When he comes in, we don’t miss a beat, man. He can lift the point of attack, man. He can. He’s one of those guys, man. He plays with leverage. He’s stout, he’s strong, he’s explosive.”
The Lions love Lopez for his violent playing style and strength. He’s quietly been one of their best additions, even if it means keeping their first-round pick on the bench to get Lopez more opportunities.
“The hard thing for [Tyleik Williams], which is a good thing for all of us, is [Alim McNeill] is playing good, [DJ] Reader’s playing good, [Roy] Lopez is playing good,” Campbell said. “So like, hey man, you got some good players in front of you right now, and so what you do is elevate his game, and then he’ll be in front of them.”
It’s still very early in Williams’ career, and like Campbell said, Detroit has a good problem to have at defensive tackle. But the Lions have clearly issued a challenge to him to play better and make more of his opportunities. We’ll see if he can get back in Campbell’s good graces.
Philadelphia Eagles general manager Howie Roseman is facing growing pressure to make a significant move before the upcoming trade deadline, as the team looks to strengthen its roster for a deep playoff run. With the Eagles sitting in a strong position but looking to address a few areas, experts and analysts are urging Roseman to take action and secure the right pieces to ensure the team’s championship aspirations.
The Eagles have been a formidable force in the NFC this season, but questions remain about certain positions that could benefit from additional depth or improvement. While the offense has been solid, the defense and special teams units have areas in need of reinforcement, particularly with the potential for key injuries or a more difficult postseason road.
“This is the time for Howie Roseman to do what he does best — evaluate and make those moves that put the team in the best possible position,” said a league analyst. “The trade deadline is a crucial moment, and if the Eagles want to maintain their momentum and make a strong push for the Super Bowl, they need to act now.”
The call to action centers on a potential trade to boost either the defensive line or the secondary, two areas that could use more stability as the season heads toward its critical stretch. With several high-profile names available, Roseman has a number of options to explore before the deadline, whether it’s adding experienced players or seeking long-term solutions for depth.
“There are some clear areas where we could improve,” said head coach Nick Sirianni. “We’re confident in the core of our team, but adding the right players at this time can make a huge difference in the big picture. It’s about timing and the right fit, and I know Howie is always looking for ways to improve the roster.”
As the clock ticks toward the trade deadline, the Eagles are in a position to make a deal that could elevate their chances of going all the way. Fans and analysts are eagerly waiting to see if Roseman will pull the trigger on a deal that pushes the team closer to its ultimate goal — the Super Bowl. Whether it’s a defensive playmaker or a surprise offensive addition, the pressure is on Roseman to make a move that will solidify the Eagles’ position as NFC contenders.