The Detroit Lions’ preseason opener—the Hall of Fame Game on Thursday—was a rough one. The team suffered an ugly 34-7 blowout loss to the Los Angeles Chargers in a game that went sideways almost immediately, even if the score won’t count when it matters.

Mistakes were everywhere, with especially poor play from the quarterbacks and a defense that couldn’t stop much. While preseason games don’t impact the standings, they do serve as major proving grounds for players fighting for a spot.

And for one undrafted rookie, the performance likely sealed his fate. Sadly, it now seems obvious that he no longer has a place at camp after his forgettable debut.

Jakobie Keeney-James, a UMass product, struggled badly. He didn’t record a catch on his only target and fumbled during a return, though he handled three kick returns for 73 yards. That fumble—Detroit’s second of the night—was the final nail.

Keeney-James had a narrow path to a roster spot through special teams. But with a mistake in that key area, his chances likely vanished. Already a fringe candidate, he needed to be flawless. Instead, he made Dan Campbell’s choice easy.

In 2024 at UMass, he totaled 50 receptions, 839 yards, and six scores—but that was against weaker competition. Detroit took a shot on him, and while he might land on a practice squad or latch on elsewhere, the 53-man roster seems out of reach.

With Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, Tim Patrick, Kalif Raymond, and Isaac TeSlaa locks to make the team, only one or two WR spots remain. Ronnie Bell, Dominic Lovett, Tom Kennedy, and Jackson Meeks are next in line. Keeney-James isn’t.

Unless he’s been secretly impressing in practice, the writing is on the wall. Keeney-James’ time in Detroit appears to be nearing its conclusion.