Lions-Colts joint practice: What player matchup are you most excited about?

The Detroit Lions are in Indianapolis and will kick off the first of two joint practices with the Colts in a just a few hours.

The practice will give Detroit a nice opportunity to measure up against a foe before Sunday’s preseason contest. “It should be really good for us,” Jim Caldwell told the media on Wednesday. “We have an opportunity to evaluate our guys against a little different competition, different schemes, etc.”

One of the most exciting aspects of these joint practices, for fans, is the unique opportunity to see rare battles in practice between two talented foes. For example, during last year’s joint practice with the Steelers, we got a brief look at what Darius Slay looked up lined against Antonio Bryant in drills.

Unfortunately for Detroit (and Indianapolis), Andrew Luck remains on the Physically Unable to Perform list, so they won’t be up against a Colts offense at full strength. Still, there should be some interesting battles on the field this week.

So today’s Question of the Day is:

What joint practice matchup between the Lions and Colts excites you most?

My answer: Lions defensive ends vs. Colts left tackle Anthony Castonzo. The Lions pass rush is one of the biggest concerns on this Lions roster, and they’ll be working against one of the best in Castonzo. The 2011 first-round draft pick is considered an above-average left tackle, earning a top 20 grade among tackles by Pro Football Focus.

This will be a great opportunity for players like Anthony Zettel, Kerry Hyder Jr., Jeremiah Valoaga and Alex Barrett to prove they are worthy of a spot on this roster and significant rotational snaps during the season. Or, if things don’t go well, it’ll be a clear sign that Detroit needs to upgrade the position before Week 1.

Your turn.