3 things to watch for in Lions first preseason game vs. Giants

The Detroit Lions kick off their preseason schedule Thursday night as they take on the New York Giants in East Rutherford, N.J.

Quarterback Jared Goff and other starters aren't expected to make an appearance but there are a few players and position battles to keep an eye on.

Here are three things to watch for:

Backup Quarterback Competition

While Goff is the undisputed starter, Nate Sudfeld and Hendon Hooker are competing for the backup spot under center.

Both quarterbacks are expected to get a half each Thursday night.

Sudfeld has nine years of experience in the NFL and could surely be in line to start the game against New York. While he isn't the flashiest player, he's played smarter football in regards to not turning it over and is familiar with the coaching staff.

For both Sudfeld and Hooker, it will be their first game action in a long time. Sudfeld missed all of last season after suffering a torn ACL in a preseason game against the Carolina Panthers and Hooker spent all of last season rehabilitating a torn ACL and hasn't played in a game in nearly two years.

Hooker also dislocated a finger on his throwing hand during Organized Team Activities, further delaying his chance to compete for the backup job.

Hooker has the higher upside when it comes to skills and athletic ability, but Sudfeld has the experience. Both quarterbacks have split second-team reps in training camp thus far.

Wide Receiver Depth

The top three of the Lions' wide receiver depth chart is basically set in stone, with Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, and Kalif Raymond. But who is filling out the No. 4 and 5 spots?

Daurice Fountain caught head coach Dan Campbell's eye early in camp and is likely to compete with Kaden Davis and Donovan Peoples-Jones. He's been playing with the 1's in training camp.

While he's reportedly been impressive in training camp, Fountain lacks the experience in the NFL as he's only made two catches in eight games since 2018. At 6-foot-2, he provides a little more size to the position as St. Brown plays a physical game and Williams is a speedster.

Davis has also been getting some reps with the starters this week and is expected to also get some good looks Thursday night. The Lions signed Davis after he tried out for the team in May. The former Michigan Panthers wideout recorded 83 receiving yards, 333 return yards and two touchdowns in five games this past spring.

Peoples-Jones may get some looks as well Thursday, but Campbell said this week that he would like to "see more" from the Michigan alum. Multiple reports indicate he's been outplayed by Fountain, Antoine Green and others on the depth chart.

Jake Bates

The only Lions kicker on the roster, Bates has struggled in training camp and could be facing a competition coming his way if things don't improve.

Detroit signed Bates to a two-year deal this spring and the initial expectation was that Michael Badgley would assume kicking duties. That is, until the latter suffered a season-ending injury.

Bates' big leg is what caught the attention of the Lions but his erratic accuracy is the thorn in his skill set. He'll get a chance in live game action to right the ship.

Aside from extra points and field goals, Bates will also be watched closely in how he places the ball for special teams coordinator Dave Fipp on kickoffs with the new rules in place.