The fourth preseason game is often a chance for players on the roster bubble to make one last case for inclusion on the 53-man roster or practice squad.
And when a player is in that position, special teams is often the best means to make a case.
Here’s a peek and some analysis on special-teams snap counts. Only players who had more than 10 percent of special-teams snaps (and specialists) are noted:
Nevin Lawson 13 snaps (52 percent)
Andrew Peacock 12 snaps (48 percent)
Julian Stanford 12 snaps (48 percent)
Brandon Hepburn 12 snaps (48 percent)
Jordan Thompson 11 snaps (44 percent)
Emil Igwenagu 11 snaps (44 percent)
Sam Martin 11 snaps (44 percent)
Nate Freese 10 snaps (40 percent)
Don Muhlbach 10 snaps (40 percent)
Shamari Benton 10 snaps (40 percent)
Jerome Couplin 10 snaps (40 percent)
George Winn 10 snaps (40 percent)
Isa Abdul-Quddus 9 snaps (36 percent)
Chris Greenwood 7 snaps (28 percent)
Kevin Ogletree 7 snaps (28 percent)
Nate Ness 7 snaps (28 percent)
Ryan Broyles 7 snaps (28 percent)
Mikel Leshoure 6 snaps (24 percent)
George Johnson 6 snaps (24 percent)
Bill Bentley 6 snaps (24 percent)
Rodney Austin 6 snaps (24 percent)
Joseph Fauria 6 snaps (24 percent)
Eric Ebron 6 snaps (24 percent)
Jed Collins 6 snaps (24 percent)
Michael Egnew 6 snaps (24 percent)
Travis Swanson 5 snaps (20 percent)
Travis Lewis 5 snaps (20 percent)
Xavier Proctor 5 snaps (20 percent)
Darren Keyton 5 snaps (20 percent)
Larry Webster 4 snaps (16 percent)
Corey Fuller 4 snaps (16 percent)
Garrett Reynolds 4 snaps (16 percent)
Cornelius Lucas 3 snaps (12 percent)
Theo Riddick 3 snaps (12 percent)
Tahir Whitehead 3 snaps (12 percent)
Ashlee Palmer 3 snaps (12 percent)
Analysis: The top of the special-teams snap chart isn’t shocking here because these are players who needed strong looks on special teams in order to show roster worth. While Lawson was likely getting some experience there for the season, the rest were trying to show something for roster or practice squad spots. Considering starters Whitehead, Riddick and Palmer all had three snaps each, that should say enough about what the Lions were searching for Thursday night. Broyles at punt returner behind Ross, who only took one special-teams snap, was interesting.
