5 players to watch in Detroit Lions first preseason game vs. the Falcons

The Detroit Lions open their preseason Friday night against the Atlanta Falcons, and here are five players to watch in the game.

Still relatively fresh off the buzz from the first episode of “Hard Knocks”, the Detroit Lions will open their 2022 preseason against the Atlanta Falcons at home on Friday night. Starters will play about a quarter, per head coach Dan Campbell, with some that may play less or not at all.

After the starters are out, it’ll be a showcase opportunity for those who are battling for roles and roster spots.

As much as training camp developments are a mix of encouraging and overblown, game action is the more accurate test.

With that in mind, here are five Lions players worth watching on Friday night.

5 Detroit Lions players to watch in preseason opener vs. the Falcons

5. CB Jeff Okudah

Okudah would be easily tabbed as the starter opposite Amani Oruwariye, but the Lions’ first depth chart says different. Will Harris is listed as the other starting outside cornerback, with the No. 3 pick in the 2020 draft the second-stringer.

Of course the big thing with Okudah is his recovery from a torn Achilles’ in last year’s season opener. Accounts from camp say he has looked good at times, but a final mental and physical hurdle will be game action and Campbell acknowledged his need for reps.

However long he’s on the field Friday night, Okudah will have a lot of eyes on him.