Rudock -- who worked as the No. 2 quarterback during OTAs -- has fallen behind Matt Cassel on the depth chart, Kyle Meinke of MLive.com reports.

Analysis: It's possible the Lions were just allowing Cassel to get acclimated with the offense during OTAs, boosting Rudock to the No. 2 spot during that session. Either way, it now appears, as expected, that Rudock is third in line for snaps behind Cassel and starter Matt Stafford as mandatory minicamp opens. The third spot on the depth chart wouldn't rule out Rudolph from a 53-man spot, but that would require the Lions holding on to three signal-callers.

Rudock, an exclusive-rights free agent, has received a contract tender from the Lions, Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press reports.

Analysis: Rudock wasn't going anywhere as the Lions like what they have in their 2016 sixth-rounder and seemingly have faith in him as its backup quarterback. Barring any sort of unforeseen addition to the depth chart, he'll likely enter the 2018 season in that very role.

Rudock completed three of five pass attempts for 24 yards and one interception in one appearance for the Lions in 2017.

Analysis: Rudock's only playing time of the season came in Week 13 against the Ravens after starting quarterback Matthew Stafford exited with a hand injury. He fared much better in the preseason when he completed 66.1 percent of his passes for 380 yards, three scores and one interception on 56 attempts. Although Rudock will now be an exclusive-rights free agent at the end of the league year, the Lions like what they have in the 2016 sixth-rounder, rendering him a near certainty to be retained by Detroit…read more

Rudock is expected to remain Matthew Stafford's (hand) backup Sunday against the Buccaneers with the latter expected to make his 108th consecutive start, a source informed Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

Analysis: Rudock saw more reps with the first-team offense than usual this week while Stafford was rendered a limited participant for all three of Detroit's practices, but barring a setback in the hours leading up to Sunday's 1 p.m. EST kickoff, Stafford looks set to direct the offense as the 6-6 Lions fight to stay in the thick of the NFC playoff race. A 2016 sixth-round pick out of Michigan, Rudock saw his most extensive NFL action to date in relief of a hurting Stafford in the Week 13 loss to the…read more