After two games on Thursday night, folks that have given up on a social life can stay home and watch six preseason games Friday night. Here’s what we’ll be looking for.
Redskins @ Colts
The John Beck era starts. The Redskins QB battle is weighted towards Beck, so he probably just has to avoid faceplanting to win. ... Can Washington establish the run again? It looked like Mike Shanahan’s system was taking hold last week. ... Rookie pass rusher Ryan Kerrigan tries to improve off a sluggish first game.
Quarterback Curtis Painter may need to improve his play or the Colts could look for another veteran QB. ... Rookie left tackle Anthony Castonzo gets his first start. ... Indy could be without Reggie Wayne, Austin Collie, and Anthony Gonzalez.
Chiefs @ Ravens
Kansas City tries to calm their fanbase down after last week’s no show. ... With first-round pick Jonathan Baldwin out, Jerheme Urban tries to show he’s a legit No. 2 receiver. ... Kansas City’s backup quarterback Tyler Calabaloo Palko needs to rebound from a rough practice week. ... Former Ravens Jared Gaither and Kelly Gregg take on their old team.
Baltimore wants to see improvement from their offensive line play, especially at tackle. ... Lee Evans makes his Ravens debut. It looks like Torrey Smith will be the No. 3 receiver.
Lions @ Browns
Lions backup running backs Mike Bell and Jerome Harrison continue to vie for snaps. ... Cornerback Eric Wright takes on his old team if he’s healthy. ... Lions tight end Brandon Pettigrew returns from injury.
Colt McCoy will try to avoid being maimed by Ndamukong Suh. ... Browns running backs Montario Hardesty and Peyton Hillis will sit out the game. ... With injuries at linebacker, some Browns undrafted players could start and try to earn spots on the team. ... Mohammed Massaquoi remains out at receiver. The other Browns wideouts could steal his snaps.
Panthers @ Dolphins
Cam Newton has a good chance to lock down the starting quarterback job with a strong effort. ... Linebacker Thomas Davis returns after almost two years away from the field.
Reggie Bush makes his Dolphins debut. Rookie running back Daniel Thomas tries to improve upon a quiet camp. ... Chad Henne will have to play well early to avoid any chants from the home crowd.
Cardinals @ Packers
Arizona has a lot of questions throughout their defense. Jobs at outside linebacker and in the secondary remain up for grabs. ... It appears Andre Roberts is settling into the No. 2 receiver role. ... Beanie Wells and Ryan Williams continue their battle at running back.
Erik Walden picked up snaps with the starting unit at outside linebacker. He remains in a position battle with Frank Zombo and Brad Jones. ... Aaron Rodgers can quiet talk about an inconsistent camp with a strong performance.
Falcons @ Jaguars
Blaine Gabbert can continue to apply pressure to David Garrard. This is absolutely a quarterback competition. ... Jacksonville would love to see something out of No. 2 receiver Jason Hill. ... Jacksonville’s tackle depth will be tested with Eben Britton out.
Rookie Julio Jones will try to wow us again with his burst against a suspect Jaguars secondary. ... We’re looking to see how young linebackers Curtis Lofton and Sean Weatherspoon are doing.