ALLEN PARK >> Detroit Lions quarterback Matt Cassel has a few words of advice for younger players trying to crack an NFL 53-man roster.
“What I always tell people, especially the young guys, is don’t worry about what’s going on around you. Because so many times you get enamored with ‘Oh the coach gave him an extra rep’ or ‘What are they thinking?’ And it kind of takes away from your focus and what you’re trying to do on the field,’’ Cassel said on Tuesday. “So I always say to focus on you, do the best you can do every time you go out. Like I said, as you preform and worry about what you have to do is you’ll get more reps.’’
Cassel and Jake Rudock are expected to split the quarterback duties in Thursday’s final preseason game at Ford Field.
“The goal (Thursday) night is to go out and execute, put points on the board, execute and get in a rhythm and a flow with these guys,’’ Cassel said. “I think a big thing for us as qbs is to take charge in the huddle, eliminate the bad football and the penalties, go out there and just play ball.’’
It’s uncertain if the Lions will keep two or three quarterbacks on the 53-man roster. If it’s two, it’s between Cassel, who has played 12 NFL seasons, and Rudock, who has spent the last two seasons as Matthew Stafford’s backup.
Final roster cuts are due at 4 p.m. on Saturday, although expect changes to be ongoing through the weekend and into the season.
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