One of the most telling weeks of training camp has arrived.

The Detroit Lions will open their first set of joint practices Wednesday, when the Miami Dolphins visit Allen Park ahead of Saturday's preseason game. The Dolphins and Lions will practice together twice, once Wednesday and a second time Thursday, providing a unique opportunity to evaluate Detroit's roster.

Preseason contests can provide some insight, but the Lions hold their starters out of those exhibitions, with the exception of rookies. Joint practices allow teams to pit their first-team offenses and defenses against one another in a controlled environment. Quarterbacks get hit in the preseason, for example. They're protected in practice.

"That’s a talented roster. They’re creative on offense, and they’ve got a tough D.

See Full Page