This week, the Detroit Lions and Miami Dolphins got in some critical work during a pair of joint practices at Detroit’s team facility in Allen Park. Those practices are invaluable, because they allow both teams to get in a ton of structured work for their starters against a new team. Those reps are critical for both teams to be ready by the season starts in about three weeks.
But on Saturday afternoon, an entirely different opportunity arises. When the Lions and Dolphins face off against each other at Ford Field, there won’t be starters on the field. However, for the second, third, and fourth string players, the four quarters of play could be critical to their NFL careers. Training camp will be over before you know it, and with starters still getting the majority of reps in practice, preseason games are the best way for those reserves to stand out.
So as the Lions head toward their third of four preseason games, today’s Question of the Day is:
Which Lions players have the most on the line in preseason game 3?
My answer: The most obvious answer is Hendon Hooker, who is quickly falling behind the backup quarterback race after a pair of rough performances in the preseason. But we’ve talked far too much about the backup quarterback job, and I feel like there are other position battles out there that are just as interesting and important.
I find the situation at cornerback fascinating. Detroit has four players that are capable of playing outside cornerback that are locks for the roster: D.J. Reed, Terrion Arnold, Amik Robertson, and Rock Ya-Sin. But with Ennis Rakestraw and Dicaprio Bootle both on injured reserve—and Khalil Dorsey still on PUP—there is potential for a fifth cornerback to make the roster. Detroit’s depth, however, is filled with cornerbacks who were all added in the past month. Nick Whiteside has clicked quickly and will be an interesting player to watch. His biggest competition is likely converted safety Erick Hallett. We haven’t talked much about D.J. Miller or Luq Barcoo, but Saturday is an opportunity for them to stand out.
Elsewhere, the backup center job remains one of the most important, but least talked about position battles. The competition dropped by one after Trystan Colon suffered a significant injury last week, leaving Kingsley Eguakun and Michael Niese to fight for the job. As of now, that battle seems neck-and-neck, with both having an up-and-down offseason. Saturday’s game against the Dolphins could be the separator between the two.
Which player do you think has the most on the line vs. the Dolphins? Share your answer and justification in the comment section below.
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