Here's a handful of some of the players who will be trying to stand out against the Lions:
[LB Jimmy Gaines
The Buffalo native got off to a solid start in training camp, but will need to finish strong Thursday night to make a compelling case for a spot on the final roster. After leading the team in tackles against Carolina earlier in the preseason, Gaines will need a similar effort against Detroit.
WR Caleb Holley
Coming from an obscure school, the rookie receiver has performed when given the opportunity in practices, but he has yet to post a reception in the preseason. He'll get plenty of chances to do so Thursday and a good showing could merit a spot on the team's practice squad knowing he's at the deepest position on the roster.
TE Dominique Jones
With veteran Lee Smith sidelined by a toe injury it's an opportunity for Jones to prove he belongs on the roster. Proving he can handle blocking assignments might be his best ticket to land a spot on the squad if Smith is going to be out for a while.
QB Jordan Palmer
It's a one-shot deal for the veteran quarterback Thursday. It's a tough ask to have a signal caller execute after just three days with the playbook in his hands, but if he can put together a performance like the one he did late in the preseason last summer with Chicago he might be able to convince the coaching staff to keep him around longer.
LB Ty Powell
Powell has had a pretty solid training camp, but missed the Pittsburgh preseason game due to a medical condition. The linebacker must follow up on his four tackle outing against Tampa Bay with an even more productive showing Thursday.