Projecting the Lions depth chart: Special teams

As the offseason winds down, we're going to project each position on the Detroit Lions depth chart and also take a look at some training camp battles. Last up is special teams.

Starters: Matt Prater (K), Sam Martin (P), Don Muhlbach (LS), Ameer Abdullah (KR/PR) | Other players: Kyle Brindza

When it comes to the specialist roles, there's not much to discuss. Matt Prater is clearly going to be the starting kicker over undrafted rookie Kyle Brindza after stabilizing that role for the Lions last season, and Sam Martin and Don Muhlbach are currently the only punter and long snapper even on the roster. Needless to say, they will be the starters at their respective positions.

The one spot up for grabs is the returner role. I have running back Ameer Abdullah penciled in as the starting returner on both kicks and punts, but that's admittedly a complete guess at this point. Abdullah is one of several players looking to win the returner job, and it remains to be seen if the Lions will give that role to one player or split up the return duties.

Featured camp battle: Ameer Abdullah vs. Jeremy Ross vs. Lance Moore vs. Golden Tate vs. Ryan Broyles for the starting returner job

Other camp battles to watch: Kyle Brindza vs. other NFL kickers for a spot with another team

Aside from the battle for the return job, there really aren't any competitions for specific spots on special teams worth discussing. Actually, really the only other camp battle worth mentioning is Brindza vs. other NFL kickers. Barring an injury, he isn't going to be the starting kicker in Detroit, but if he impresses during the preseason, he could land a spot with another NFL team if there are any openings out there going into the regular season.

Previously: Quarterback, running back, fullback, wide receiver, tight end, offensive tackle, offensive guard/center, defensive end, defensive tackle, linebacker, cornerback, safety