12 Players to Watch in Lions' Preseason Opener
After a long offseason of anticipation and intrigue, the wait is almost over for the Detroit Lions.
Friday marks the start of the preseason, as the Lions will conclude a big week of practices with a matchup against the New York Giants.
Given that the teams have spent two days practicing together, the Lions are likely to elect to give their starters much of Friday's game off.
As a result, the matchup could turn into a showcase of each team's depth. Here are 12 players to watch for the Detroit Lions in Friday's preseason opener.
WR Jameson Williams
Dan Campbell wouldn't reveal the plans for many of his players in Friday's game. However, he has made it very clear that the preseason will be key for Williams.
After announcing that he's going to be "doused" in game reps, Williams should be a big part of Detroit's offense in the opener.
The second-year wideout has fallen under plenty of scrutiny throughout the offseason, and could use a strong performance in Friday's game to quell some concerns.
CB Starling Thomas V
Thomas has come into his own as an undrafted free agent, and is now viewed as a likely candidate to make the roster.
The UAB product caught Campbell's eye with his special teams abilities, but must now prove he can compete in coverage.
He'll be tested Friday, and his response should be telling to where he stands on Detroit's roster bubble.
WR Dylan Drummond
The Eastern Michigan product didn't sign with the team until after rookie minicamp, but he has been superb since.
He has demonstrated a knack for simply being in the right place at the right time, running his routes with detail and consistency.
Drummond has been climbing the depth chart since camp began, and has the chance to take another step in the preseason opener.
OLB James Houston IV
Houston was quite the story over the second half of the 2022 season. However, he's been dealing with a reset during training camp.
The Jackson State product has been repping with the third-team defense, since Charles Harris has returned to full health.
He should get plenty of reps on Friday, with Campbell hoping to see consistency from the second-year talent.
TE James Mitchell
The Lions' tight end battle continues to heat up, with rookie Sam LaPorta separating himself from the competition up to this point.
Mitchell has an opportunity to play his way into a bigger role. He was limited last season, so this will be a big chance for him to prove his potential.
DT Levi Onwuzurike
After missing all of last season with a back injury, Onwuzurike is back and healthy.
Campbell has been optimistic about the start to camp for the Washington product. His rep count and performance Friday will be intriguing to monitor.
RB Craig Reynolds
The Lions seemed confident about the trio of Jahmyr Gibbs, David Montgomery and Justin Jackson. However, Jackson was placed on the reserve/retired list Thursday.
Reynolds isn't necessarily in unfamiliar territory, though, as he was viewed as an outsider each of the last two seasons. The Jackson news may open up a chance for him to reclaim his place on the roster.
He'll need a strong preseason to stay on the roster again. That starts Friday, when he should get a decent dose of carries amid the other competitors for the third spot in Detroit's backfield.
DE Josh Paschal
Paschal has had a strong start to camp in his second season. Another player who was limited last year by injuries, the Kentucky product seems to have worked his way into backing up Aidan Hutchinson.
There's optimism surrounding his potential. With Hutchinson likely slated for a smaller workload Friday, it could be a Paschal showcase.
QB Nate Sudfeld
The Lions signed Teddy Bridgewater Monday, but he won't be in action until next week. As a result, Sudfeld has a chance to make a statement Friday.
Many are ready to anoint Bridgewater as the backup going forward based on pedigree. This makes strong showing is paramount for Sudfeld in order to keep the competition close.
S Ifeatu Melifonwu
Brian Branch has stood out early in training camp, which puts pressure on Melifonwu.
Entering his third season, the corner-turned-safety has struggled with injuries and inconsistency. He's played just 17 games total in two seasons.
These game reps should help the young player, who is on the roster bubble because of depth at the position. A good game Friday could do wonders for his roster hopes.
Kickers Riley Patterson/Parker Romo
The Lions have an intriguing kicker battle going on, so I'll be watching to see how the reps are divided. Patterson has drawn praise for his improved strength, and likely will get the first opportunity.
There's something about Romo's big leg, though, that the team likes. If the Lions are forced to try a long one before half or at the end of the game, they could turn to the XFL standout.
