6 Detroit Lions players to watch in the preseason finale vs. Panthers

2. QB Nate Sudfeld

Within the notion they would because they proposed the new emergency quarterback rule, Dan Campbell dismissed the idea the Lions will naturally or at all automatically keep a third quarterback on the 53-man roster. That is Sudfeld's only legitimate path to sticking around, unless he is ultimately brought back on the practice squad.

That said, Sudfeld is in line to play most of Friday night's game. Teddy Bridgewater might get a a series, just because he needs the work, and Adrian Martinez has fallen by the wayside. If nothing else, he can show another team he's worthy of being their third quarterback with a rebound performance after two rough preseason games.

1. CB Chase Lucas

The Lions' final pick in the 2022 draft, Lucas is getting some late buzz as he pushes to make the 53-man roster this year. Here's some of what Campbell said about him this week

"He's continuing to compete every day. You know, he's done some nice things. I feel like he's gotten better. But he is, he's fighting for a spot, you know, and, and I've, what I love about Luki is I told him this. He's the same guy every day. I mean, the way he comes into work, he's not up and down. He's got the same attitude. He puts in the same amount of work. He I mean, nothing changes. He's consistent. So he's, he's given me everything he's got right now. It's all you can ask.""

Lucas is competing for one of the last spots in the Lions' secondary going into the season, and his special teams contributions have been noticeable at times this preseason. Having a strong vote from the head coach as cut down day nears, ideally after a good showing against the Panthers, will only help his case for a roster spot.