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

5. DE Josh Paschal

Paschal is healthy after a rookie season hampered by injuries. There's plenty of excitement for what he can do in his second season, and he is buiding a strong resume from training camp practices right through this week's joint practices against the Giants.

Paschal has been practicing with the second-team defense, showing outside-inside versatility the Lions are hoping to get from him. That status on the second team also lines him up for a big role in the preseason opener, and an opportunity to showcase his talent.

Lions defensive lineman John Cominsky talked up Paschal last week.

"He doesn’t have the hesitation in his game,” “He’s getting off blocks violently. He’s hitting his pass rush violently. He’s getting to the ball violently. There is no indecision. I just see—He’s just playing faster, stronger. Obviously got stronger, faster in the offseason. More skilled and that confidence.”"

4. RB Mohamed Ibrahim

Craig Reynolds out of Wednesday's practice and Jermar Jefferson leaving the session with an injury, Ibrahim took advantage of an opportunity to push himself back into the conversation for a roster spot.

Even with Devine Ozigbo and Benny Snell added to the Lions' running back competition this week, Friday night against the Giants looks like a showcase opportunity for Ibrahim. A tough, physical runner who knows how important every opportunity is for him, the former Gopher is lined up to shine in the preseason opener.