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Ahmed Hassanein's Preseason Breakout Puts Him in Lions' Edge Race

Thursday night's two sacks and a forced fumble create a strong case for him to win significant snaps as a big edge.

Overview

  • Hassanein recorded two sacks, a strip sack that forced a fumble, four tackles and multiple quarterback hits in the Lions' preseason opener.
  • He briefly left the game with a minor injury on Thursday night but returned immediately and continued to pressure opposing quarterbacks.
  • The Lions have shifted Hassanein into a 'big edge' role that has him set the edge on early downs and move inside on passing downs.
  • Hassanein now joins D.J. Wonnum, rookie Derrick Moore and Tyler Lacy in a wide-open competition for significant defensive snaps and possible starts.
  • As a 2025 sixth-round pick who spent time on IR and the practice squad after a preseason injury, Hassanein's strong debut increases his chances of making the 53-man roster and earning expanded game reps in the remaining preseason games.