(Sports Network) - Trent Edwards will try to solidify his presumed status as the opening day starter of the Buffalo Bills on Thursday night, when Edwards and Co. travel to meet the Detroit Lions in the final preseason tune-up for each team.
Edwards, who has started each of the Bills' preseason games thus far, comes off a strong outing in a 35-20 win over the Cincinnati Bengals, in which he connected on 13-of-17 passes for 153 yards and a touchdown. The Stanford product has looked sharper during the preseason than QB competitors Ryan Fitzpatrick and Brian Brohm, and barring a meltdown in what is likely to be a short stint on Thursday night, Edwards will be in the lineup when the Bills host the Miami Dolphins in Week 1.
Marshawn Lynch (ankle) is expected to be in action for the Bills after an injury-plagued preseason, though fellow running back Fred Jackson (hand) will remain out. Rookie starter C.J. Spiller is unlikely to see much time.
After a very promising first three games of the preseason, the Lions' highest- profile offensive starters should likewise see the field only sparingly on Thursday.
Quarterback Matthew Stafford (34-of-46 passing, 332 yards, 3 TD, 1 INT, 106.4 passer rating), first-round rookie running back Jahvid Best (15 carries, 129 yards) and wide receiver Calvin Johnson (6 receptions, 86 yards, 2 TD) are among those who will likely make a cameo at best against the Bills.
Defensively, linebacker Rocky Boiman, who was signed by the Lions on Monday, will be among the players who will state their case for a roster spot on Thursday.
A banged-up Detroit secondary could be without safeties Louis Delmas (groin), C.C. Brown (forearm), Ko Simpson (knee) and cornerback Jack Williams (knee) against the Bills.
Following Thursday's games, all 32 NFL teams will have until 6pm ET on Saturday evening to trim their rosters to the 53-player maximum.
Detroit leads the all-time preseason series with the Bills, 17-11-1, including a 17-6 road victory prior to last season.
The teams will also meet in a meaningful contest during the 2010 regular season, with the Lions visiting Buffalo on Nov. 14th.
As mentioned, the Bills open their 2010 regular season schedule against the Dolphins at Ralph Wilson Stadium on Sept. 12th, while the Lions will face the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field the same day.