DETROIT – The unofficial start of the 2017 season kicks off Sunday for the Detroit Lions.
Players will begin reporting to training camp today in Allen Park as the team hopes to make another run at the playoffs.
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The Lions first preseason game is August 13 against the Colts.
Here are four things to watch as training camp gets going this week:
Matthew Stafford's contract extension
Matthew Stafford's contract extension is a true must for the Lions, as they look to make the playoffs back-to-back years - but alas, no deal has been announced.
Heading into the 2017 regular season without their franchise quarterback locked up could become the biggest storyline of the season. Stafford's new contract, if it comes, would most likely be the biggest in NFL history.
ALSO SEE: What's taking the Lions so long to extend Matthew Stafford?
Is Ameer Abdullah healthy?
The Lions backfield is Ameer Abdullah's to take - if he can stay healthy.
The running back only played two games last year after injuring his foot in the second week of the season. Abdullah was eventually shut down for the entire season.
Theo Riddick is also returning from a wrist injury and will look to return as one of the best pass-catching backs in the NFL.
Battle for final wide receiver spots
The presumed first three receiver spots will go to Marvin Jones, Golden Tate and rookie Kenny Golladay.
TJ Jones, Jace Billingsley, ex-Spartan Keyshawn Martin and former Packers slot man Jared Abbrederis will compete for the final two spots at receiver.
Those spots went to Anquan Boldin and Andre Roberts in 2016. Boldin could still return to the Lions.
Can Jarrad Davis make a rookie impact?
Lions first-round pick - linebacker Jarrad Davis - will look to make an immediate impact in his rookie season.
The middle linebacker will call the defense in his first-year along side Tahir Whitehead and Paul Worrilow.
The Lions linebacking corps will need Davis to be a playmaker with the loss of DeAndre Levy.