The Detroit Lions are nearing the end of the preseason, and as a result the time to make key roster decisions is running out.

Dan Campbell and Brad Holmes have seen plenty since training camp opened in mid-July, as players have made their pitches for a roster spot over the last month with their performance. Though the Lions have much of their starting lineup locked into stone, the depth behind those starters will be key.

Several position groups have ongoing battles for important depth roles. With starters unlikely to play in Saturday’s game against Pittsburgh, the game itself will be a showcase for players looking to make the final roster.

Here are three position battles to watch in the Lions’ preseason finale.

Backup quarterback

If all goes according to Dan Campbell’s plan, Hendon Hooker will be the starting quarterback in Saturday’s game. He said he hopes to start the Tennessee product during the week, and actually planned to in Week 2 had he not gotten injured and missed practice time.

As a result, Hooker’s final preseason audition for the backup job could be an extended one. Campbell is likely weighing multiple options as far as how long to play. Nate Sudfeld will likely get reps at some point, but it remains to be determined just how much both passers play.

Campbell offered some clarity on the backup job, stating that Sudfeld has “the upper hand” over Hooker in terms of experience and time with the system. It may not be finished, however, as Hooker has the opportunity to make a strong case for the backup job in Saturday’s game.

Detroit appears to be being patient with Hooker’s development, and while Campbell wouldn’t 100 percent commit to keeping three quarterbacks, he seemed to imply that was the direction it was going during his press conference Tuesday.

Wide receiver 3/4

The wide receiver position has been one that has caught plenty of attention throughout camp, particularly for the lack of clarity on the spots behind Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams. Campbell named Kalif Raymond as WR3, but admitted the team would prefer not to play him a heavy workload because of his ability as a returner.

Plenty of players have stood out at points in practice, such as Kaden Davis, Daurice Fountain, Isaiah Williams and Donovan Peoples-Jones. However, Campbell has said that they are still missing the necessary consistency that would allow the staff to feel confident in their options.

Williams could be the biggest benefactor of a big game Saturday. He has been the top playmaker for the offense each of the last two games. Though he may face an uphill climb toward a roster spot, the Illinois product has made a strong case and can continue building it with another good showing.

Tight end 3/4

With Sam LaPorta dealing with an injury and Brock Wright not playing in the preseason, Saturday will be the last of three opportunities for the Lions’ depth to compete for the third tight end role.

This competition has been one that is unique, because the players competing for the third tight end role all have vastly different skill sets. Shane Zylstra and James Mitchell have the pass-catching profile, while Sean McKeon and Parker Hesse are more known for their blocking ability.

In the end, the Lions could elect to keep four players at this position. It could shake out to be one receiving and one blocking tight end that stays alongside LaPorta and Wright, so Saturday’s game will carry a lot of weight at what could be one of the final positions with available roster spots.

The new MKE Dog Park is expected to open later this year at 103 W. Clybourn St. and a groundbreaking ceremony has been set for Thursday, Sept. 5 at 3 p.m.

The 22,000-square-foot dog park – a collaboration between Milwaukee Downtown, Business Improvement District #21 (BID #21) and the Historic Third Ward Business Improvement District #2 (BID #2) – will be built beneath the I-794 freeway, along the west bank of the Milwaukee River, which will also get a new section of RiverWalk.

Adjacent to the park will be the Foxtown Landing development with a restaurant and brewery taproom, as well as copious outdoor space on the riverfront.

The dog park will include separate fenced areas for big dogs and small dogs; synthetic turf with an irrigation system for maintenance; security lighting; decorative fencing; water stations; public art; and RiverWalk access.

“Since announcing plans for Downtown’s first dog park at this underutilized space, excitement for the project has continued to grow,” said Matt Dorner, economic development director for Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21. “Businesses of all sizes, philanthropic partners and thousands of residents have pledged their support for this vital amenity.

“While fundraising efforts continue, their enthusiasm for the project has brought us to this exciting juncture.”

Naming rights for the park were purchased in 2002 by Fromm Nieman Brands, which owns Fromm Family Pet Foods and Foxtown Brewery & Station in Mequon.

The following year, the Admirals signed on as a signature sponsor of the dog park.

“We are thrilled to be the title sponsor of the Downtown Milwaukee Dog Park,” said Tom Neiman, owner of Fromm Family Pet Food.

“As a family-owned business committed to the well-being of pets, we believe this new amenity will enhance the quality of life for both dogs and their owners in the community. We’re delighted to be part of the upward momentum taking place in the greater Downtown area.”

Exploratory work on the adjacent site was undertaken earlier this year to determine whether or not foundations of earlier buildings remained on the future Foxtown Landing site and work is expected to begin there soon.

On July 25, the City of Milwaukee’s Board of Zoning Appeals approved a variance request from the Foxtown Landing developers to allow a design that does not conform to rules for street frontage windows. Next, the Department of City Development will consider the permit to construct the building’s foundation.

By next time this year, if all goes well, the dog park should be in use as the new Foxtown Landing rises to its south.

“The Downtown Milwaukee Dog Park area will be revitalized to meet the growing demands of our residents, employees and guests,” said Paul Schwartz, executive director of the Milwaukee Public Market and BID #2.

“The groundbreaking celebration is an opportunity to thank all of our committed partners, sponsors and those that have supported the project from the beginning, while also engaging new champions on the sponsorship opportunities still available.”