Key Detroit Lions Position Battles to Watch against Jaguars

Read more on position battles taking center stage in the Lions' matchup with Jacksonville.

For many of the Detroit Lions' starters, the two days of joint practices with the Jacksonville Jaguars will serve as their game action for the week. 

Dan Campbell has said as much, praising the starters for their efforts in a competitive, yet controlled atmosphere against the Jaguars. 

As a result, plenty of position battles, specifically in depth areas, will take center stage. Roster spots are up for grabs for multiple players who are on the bubble. 

Even with the starters out of action, this will make the 1 p.m. showdown an exciting watch. Here are four position battles to watch when the game kicks off. 

Additional reading: Lions-Jaguars Predictions

Quarterback

After a full week of practice learning the Detroit Lions' offensive system, Teddy Bridgewater will make his debut Saturday. How many snaps he gets remains to be seen, though. 

The Lions signed him with full intentions of making him their backup quarterback, and at his best, he's one of the best backups in the league. 

Campbell has said he wants to see if Bridgewater's "still got it." While Saturday might not be the biggest audition, fans should learn plenty about where he's at in learning Ben Johnson's offensive system.

He's competing with Nate Sudfeld and Adrian Martinez to be the backup. Both were largely unimpressive in the preseason opener, though Sudfeld was praised by Campbell for his poise and Martinez led the team's game-winning drive. 

Sudfeld finished 15-for-28 for 194 yards, to go along with two interceptions, in the preseason opener. 

If Bridgewater struggles and Sudfeld or Martinez pick up the slack, this competition could get a lot more interesting. 

Detroit Lions quarterback Teddy Bridgewater / Kirthmon F. Dozier, USA TODAY NETWORK

Running back

Much like the quarterback spot, the Lions have been actively looking for a reliable third option behind David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs. 

Injuries have hurt the consistency within the group, as Craig Reynolds, Jermar Jefferson and Mo Ibrahim have all missed time. Ibrahim is still dealing with a setback, so Reynolds, Jefferson, Benny Snell and Devine Ozigbo should all get time Saturday. 

Reynolds has made the roster each of the last two years, but Jefferson may have the highest ceiling of them all. Snell and Ozigbo are both veterans, so there's plenty at stake. 

Whoever has the best performance Saturday should have the inside track moving forward. 

Linebacker

Campbell has said select rookies may not be in action Saturday, so this could tell a lot about where Jack Campbell stands in this position battle. 

The rookie started the preseason opener, but sitting this game would make a statement that he's close to winning the starting job next to Alex Anzalone. 

Derrick Barnes and Malcolm Rodriguez should factor heavily into this game early, before giving way to the likes of Anthony Pittman and Trevor Nowaske. 

Rodriguez is viewed as a key depth piece. The second-year linebacker started 15 games last year, but will need to continue his solid play all throughout the preseason. 

He earned a 62.8 overall defensive grade from Pro Football Focus last season, but had a stellar showing against the Giants in the preseason opener. 

A UDFA from Saginaw Valley State, Nowaske has earned praise for his work on special teams, and is still vying for a roster spot. He's a player worth watching Saturday. 

Wide receiver

Injuries have hurt the potential in this room as of late. Jameson Williams will likely miss the remainder of the preseason, which is detrimental to his development. 

Additionally, Denzel Mims was waived after suffering an injury. This will allow many of the Lions' young receivers on the roster to show their skills in Saturday's game. 

Chase Cota surprised many with a solid opener with four catches for 60 yards, and Dylan Drummond has had a strong camp. 

These two players could be competing with seventh-round pick Antoine Green for a roster spot. 

The Lions have four roster locks at this position. Depending on whether they decide to keep five or six while Williams is suspended, there could be multiple spots up for the taking. 

Saturday offers a chance for these fringe players to secure a roster spot.