A couple days of joint practices with the New York Giants will provide Dan Campbell and his coaching staff a really good evaluation on where this team stands a couple weeks into training camp.

Campbell said Monday before the first joint practice that he's looking forward to the challenge his secondary will get from a Giants' wide receiver corps that includes talented rookie Malik Nabers and veterans Darius Slayton, Jalin Hyatt and others.

The biggest test for the Lions over the next couple days might come upfront along the offensive line going against one of the better defensive line groups.

"(Dexter) Lawrence is, in my opinion, one of the best that's in the game right now, run and pass, I mean, he's powerful, he's strong," Campbell said. "The edge with (Kayvon) Thibodeaux and (Brian) Burns over there, that's pretty exciting too."

Thibodeaux and Burns, who came over in a trade from Carolina this offseason, combined for 19.5 sacks last season. They'll be a great test for Lions tackles Penei Sewell and Taylor Decker.

One of the most anticipated matchups upfront will be Lions All-Pro center Frank Ragnow squaring off against Lawrence, who was ranked in the Top 10 among interior defensive linemen by Pro Football Focus for his pass-rushing prowess last season.

"I bring up Lawrence again, this is going to be a good challenge for Frank (Ragnow), Frank's looked forward to this," Campbell said. "This is big, man, you have to go against top-tier players to get better."

Detroit's offensive line is considered one of if not the best in the NFL, and this week they get to sharpen their skills in preparation for the season with a great test in the Giants defensive front.

LAPORTA AND BRANCH

Second-year tight end Sam LaPorta is dealing with an undisclosed injury suffered in a previous Lions practice and he did not take part in Monday's joint practice.

Second-year defensive back Brian Branch, who just recently returned to the team portion of Lions practices after rehabbing an injury all offseason, will be a limited participant in practices this week, per Campbell.

"LaPorta's not going to practice today and Branch will just get some indy and seven-on-seven, he's not going to get any team reps," Campbell said. "But they'll be fine long-term, don't sweat."

ALWAYS EVALUATING

The Lions have some pretty good competitions going at a number of positions for both playing time and roster spots. Campbell mentioned the nickel cornerback and wide receiver positions as being a couple he and his staff will have a close eye on.

At the nickel, Ifeatu Melifonwu will get some reps there after playing the majority of camp rotating with Kerby Joseph and Branch at safety.

Veterans Amik Robertson and Emmanuel Moseley have been rotating reps at the nickel with the first-team defense throughout the first two weeks of camp.

"Well, he's a corner and a safety, so it just – his body type, he's got coverage ability, he's pretty good in the box and it just – it can be something that suits him," Campbell said of Melifonwu playing in the slot.

At receiver, Daurice Fountain and Donovan Peoples-Jones are competing for roster spots behind Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams and Kalif Raymond. Campbell also mentioned Kaden Davis on Monday as someone in the mix. Davis has had a nice start to camp along with Fountain.

REPS, REPS, REPS

The battle for the backup quarterback job between Hendon Hooker and Nate Sudfeld elevates this week with joint practices and the team's first preseason game Thursday night, which both quarterbacks should see a lot of playing time in.

"He just needs reps. And it doesn't matter if it's us or it's them or it's a game, he just needs reps and reps and reps and he goes to bed and he needs reps and he wakes up and he needs reps," Campbell said of Hooker. "Any time he can be out there and run the offense and function it's going to be good for him."

EXTRA POINTS

• Guard Kevin Zeitler (shoulder) and cornerback Terrion Arnold (concussion) left practice Monday and are being evaluated for injuries.
• Part of the evaluation at joint practices this week will also be from GM Brad Holmes and his staff on the Giants roster. Is there anyone who catches their eye and might not be part of the Giants' initial 53-man roster who Holmes thinks can help Detroit? Same for Giants GM Joe Schoen and his staff.