Camp Notes: Joint practices offer look at where Lions stand

The Lions have some pretty good competitions going at a number of positions for both playing time and roster spots. Campbell mentioned the nickel cornerback and wide receiver positions as being a couple he and his staff will have a close eye on.

At the nickel, Ifeatu Melifonwu will get some reps there after playing the majority of camp rotating with Kerby Joseph and Branch at safety.

Veterans Amik Robertson and Emmanuel Moseley have been rotating reps at the nickel with the first-team defense throughout the first two weeks of camp.

“Well, he’s a corner and a safety, so it just – his body type, he’s got coverage ability, he’s pretty good in the box and it just – it can be something that suits him,” Campbell said of Melifonwu playing in the slot.

At receiver, Daurice Fountain and Donovan Peoples-Jones are competing for roster spots behind Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams and Kalif Raymond. Campbell also mentioned Kaden Davis on Monday as someone in the mix. Davis has had a nice start to camp along with Fountain.

The battle for the backup quarterback job between Hendon Hooker and Nate Sudfeld elevates this week with joint practices and the team’s first preseason game Thursday night, which both quarterbacks should see a lot of playing time in.

“He just needs reps. And it doesn’t matter if it’s us or it’s them or it’s a game, he just needs reps and reps and reps and he goes to bed and he needs reps and he wakes up and he needs reps,” Campbell said of Hooker. “Any time he can be out there and run the offense and function it’s going to be good for him.”

• Guard Kevin Zeitler (shoulder) and cornerback Terrion Arnold (concussion) left practice Monday and are being evaluated for injuries.
• Part of the evaluation at joint practices this week will also be from GM Brad Holmes and his staff on the Giants roster. Is there anyone who catches their eye and might not be part of the Giants’ initial 53-man roster who Holmes thinks can help Detroit? Same for Giants GM Joe Schoen and his staff.