Friday open thread: Which Lions player has the most to gain vs. Jets?

The landscape of the Detroit Lions roster has changed quite a bit in just a week. As noted in our Week 2 Bubble Watch, there has been a massive shift among the bottom of the depth chart at the Lions’ skill positions. Matt Asiata and Jace Billingsley are losing their grasp on a roster spot, while Dwayne Washington and TJ Jones are building their case.

Then, of course, there’s the massive issue at defensive end. With season-ending injuries to Kerry Hyder and Brandon Copeland, several Lions players who were longshots to make the roster—Pat O’Connor, Alex Barrett, etc—now have a very good chance to find their way onto the final 53.

For many of these players, Saturday’s game against the New York Jets will be a huge opportunity for them to get reps earlier in the game than usual. There are only three remaining games left to make an impression, and every snap counts.

So today’s Question of the Day is:

Which Lions players has the most to gain in this week’s preseason game against the Jets?

My answer: Quandre Diggs. We haven’t talked a lot about the Lions’ heated battle at nickel corner since training camp began. DJ Hayden made a play or two in the first preseason game, while Diggs has been overly quiet throughout the offseason.

In our latest Bubble Watch, Diggs was a unanimous OUT, but this battle is far from over. I’d love to see both Diggs and Hayden in there for more than a couple series to get a good look on who truly is leading the competition at this point in camp. Due to the crowded situation at cornerback, there’s a good chance that whoever loses this camp competition will not have a backup spot on the roster.