Lions prepare for preseason opener against Browns

ALLEN PARK, Mich. (WXYZ) - There was a sense of urgency among the Lions during practice in Allen Park on Thursday as they prepared for their first preseason game on Friday against Cleveland at 7:30pm.

"I think everybody's excited [about the first preseason game]. Veterans, young players, I mean, you know, regardless of how much training camp has been cut down it's still training camp," Jim Schwartz, the Lions head coach, said.

"There's still a routine of going out and practicing against our own guys all the time. I think when you have an opportunity to play in the game, everybody's excited but probably more so for the rookies. [It's] the first chance they have to put an NFL uniform on and play in Ford Field."

Lions defensive end Cliff Avril, who recently ended his holdout by signing Detroit's one-year franchise tender, told reporters that he's still not sure whether he'll suit up on Friday against the Browns.

However, Avril sent this message about making sure he is prepared just in case:

"Man, it's a job ... you better stay in shape for that," said Avril with a smile. "You know what I mean? So definitely that is what I have been doing, just working and grinding and trying to, you know, maintain I guess."

Patrick Edwards, a wide receiver who broke numerous records at University of Houston, said there's no question that he feels there's something he has to prove this preseason.

"Things have been going pretty good. I've been getting my work in [and] listening to the veteran receivers that's in the core," said Edwards. "[I've] just been trying to follow in their footsteps and do everything right."

Lions Tailgate, a special pregame show, kicks off our coverage tomorrow night at 7pm, followed by the matchup between the Lions and Browns at 7:30 at Ford Field.