Allen Park — Joseph Fauria missed the Lions' preseason opener last week as he recovered from a lower-body injury, but if Tuesday's practice is any indication, he'll have plenty of opportunities Thursday against Washington.
The third-year tight end received his most extensive action thus far in training camp, including several plays with the first-team offense.
Though Fauria will likely make the team, his injury last year and this year hurt his standing within the organization. In the NFL, coaches often say the best ability is availability, and for that reason, Fauria must take advantage of his opportunities in the exhibition games to secure his spot on the 53-man roster.