5 Detroit Lions players to watch during joint practices against the New York Giants

1. WR Jameson Williams

Williams' every move is chronicled and often scrutinized, fairly or not. Such is life when you're the 12th overall pick, recovery from a torn ACL impacted your rookie season and a six-game gambling suspension will set back any progress in his second year.

After missing some early camp practices with what seemed to be a minor leg injury, Williams had the expected ups and downs someone who's practically a rookie will have. Then he was not present at last Saturday's practice, which added another mark in the "things that make you go hmm.." column.

Campbell set the obvious preseason plan for Williams last week, suggesting the young receiver will be "doused" with game reps. "Jamo" simply needs to be on the field, truly regardless and independent of results (which will of course be closely watched anyway). So if he wasn't going to play a lot during the preseason, barring an injury that's significant enough to prevent it, something would be wrong.

The Giants aren't flush with high-end cornerback talent, with first-round rookie Deonte Banks in line to start immediately and another rookie In Tre Hawkins figuring prominenty in the equation. But simple practice reps are vital for Williams, and the ramp up of going against someone not wearing the same jersey is equally vital as a test for him.