Three Lions storylines to follow in Week 2 of the preseason

Here are three Detroit Lions storylines worth closely monitoring during Week 2 of the preseason:

The backup quarterback battle

It might be a stretch to call it an actual battle at this point considering the Lions coaching staff has shown no signs that Dan Orlovsky will be relegated to third string. However, it's at least a conversation worth having at this point. If Orlovsky struggles again in Oakland and Kellen Moore continues to play at a high level, it may get to the point where the Lions have to at least give Moore a shot with the second-team offense. If nothing else, there will be more and more pressure for a change to be made unless Orlovsky puts together a good showing against the Raiders.

By the way, the fact that this has become the biggest debate/talking point/whatever you want to call it says a lot about the state of the Lions right now, and I mean that in a good way. While other teams are dealing with injuries, starting quarterback controversies and other issues, the Lions' biggest storyline currently is their backup quarterback spot. All things considered, I'd say they are in pretty good shape right now with that being the biggest storyline to come out of their first preseason game.

Calvin Johnson's status for Friday

Johnson didn't play in the Lions' preseason opener, but he was back at practice on Monday, indicating that he's not injured. It seems that the Lions just want to limit his reps right now considering he's coming off a pair of offseason surgeries. Plus, the last thing they need is for their best player to go down in an exhibition game, so they seem okay with sitting him until the regular season begins.

At the same time, it does seem like it would be beneficial for Johnson to get a series or two with the first-team offense in some kind of a game situation before the regular season arrives. Yes, there's the injury risk to consider, but injuries can happen at any time. Would it really be that risky to get him on the field for a few snaps on Friday? I don't personally think so, but that determination will have to be made by Jim Caldwell and company.

Ziggy Ansah's status in general

Ansah essentially missed the entire offseason after having shoulder surgery, and he's missed all of training camp so far. Last week, it looked like Ansah was getting close to being activated from the PUP list, but he's still on it for the time being. Considering how important it is for Ansah to improve after a pretty solid rookie season, it's concerning that he hasn't been able to practice at all in such a long time. First things first, he's got to get off the PUP list, and hopefully that will happen at some point this week.