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Lions training camp: Eight players get chance to return punts

The Detroit Lions gave eight players a chance to return punts on the first day of training camp.

Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

One of the most intriguing training camp battles for the Detroit Lions this year involves the return job. It's so intriguing because there are so many different players in the mix in this competition. We got proof of that on Friday when training camp opened, as the Lions had eight different guys returning punts.

According to Chris McCosky, the eight players returned punts in this order: RB Steven Miller, WR Micheal Spurlock, WR Ryan Broyles, RB Reggie Bush, WR Mike Thomas, WR Terrence Austin, WR Cody Wilson and WR Patrick Edwards.

We know that Bush and Broyles will be on the 53-man roster, and it's entirely possible their time on the punt return unit will be strictly situational. The other guys are all fighting to simply make the team, though, and winning the return job would go a long way in helping them survive the roster cuts at the end of August.

Speaking of punts, Justin Rogers had this to say after watching Sam Martin and Blake Clingan on Friday:

It's good to hear that Martin is already emerging in the battle for the starting punter job considering the Lions used a fifth-round draft pick on him.

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