Former Michigan QB Jake Rudock shines in first preseason game with Detroit Lions

Jake Rudock, who played under center for the Michigan Wolverines in 2015, took his first NFL preseason snap on Friday with the Detroit Lions.

In the 30-17 win for the Lions over the Pittsburgh Steelers, Matthew Stafford started at quarterback. Stafford was replaced by backup Dan Orlovsky after just one series with the first team.

Rudock was given his first snap at the start of the third quarter. The sixth-round selection in the 2016 NFL Draft played the entire second half against Pittsburgh. His first completion was a pass up the middle to Jace Billingsley.

While his first drive with the Lions resulted in a punt on fourth down, Rudock showed his skill with 19 yards through the air on 3-of-4 passing and one carry for 17 yards.

The Lions got 96-yard kick return touchdown from Dwayne Washington, who was the seventh-round pick by the Lions in the 2016 NFL Draft. Rudock was called on the field for the two-point conversion. The quarterback found Quinshad Davis in the end zone for two points and a 24-17 lead with 13:26 left in the fourth quarter.

Rudock scored his first NFL touchdown on a pass play to Billingsley with 6:12 left in the fourth quarter. The 23-year-old receiver made four defenders miss as he rolled into the end zone for a 27-yard touchdown.

The score by Rudock and Billingsley gave the Lions a 30-14 lead and helped secure a victory.

Rudock completed 8-of-11 passes for 72 yards, a touchdown and a two-point conversion. The Ex-Michigan quarterback added four carries for 20 yards with a long of 17 yards.