5 Detroit Lions players to watch during joint practices vs. Jaguars

4. QB Nate Sudfeld

Perhaps no Lion needs a good performance this week more than Sudfeld. His showing in practices heading into the first preseason game was not good, and he followed it with a less than ideal showing against the Giants (15-for-28 for 194 yards, two interceptions, 45.8 passer rating).

With Teddy Bridgewater coming in to take his job as the Lions' No. 2 quarterback, and a foregone conclusion to do so, Sudfeld is now clinging to the possibility three quarterbacks will be kept on the 53-man roster. And that third potential quarterback would not have to be him.

It's not an exaggeration to suggest a rough week and/or another bad game could leave Sudfeld looking for a new team come next Monday. He needs to turn around the negative narrative around himself immediately, and Wednesday's practice has to be the start if it's going to happen.

Bridgewater also deserves a mention here, as he gets a chance to keep building rapport with new receivers in a quick ramp up against an opponent in practice.

3. DB Brian Branch

Branch followed a strong couple weeks of camp by making a memorable hit in the preseason opener and making yet another notable play in Monday's practice.

No offense to the Giants' wide receiving corps, but no one they have measures up to the guys the Jaguars will trot out at Allen Park the next couple days. As the starting nickel/slot corner, Branch is lined up to matchup up against Jaguars slot receiver Christian Kirk. Tight end Evan Engram may also move out to the slot as a challenging matchup for Branch.

Branch has met every test put in front of him thus far. The weapons the Jaguars will put across from him will be a fresh one this week.