Week 4 of NFL Preseason: Who Will Win a Starter Spot on these Florida Teams?

The NFL’s preseason is coming to an end. Teams are taking the final week to determine who fills the final roster spots with opening night around the corner.

Here are the key match-ups to watch on Thursday:

Jacksonville Jaguars at Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 7:00 p.m.

Both teams have spots that need filling in order to bolster depth. Wide receiver Jaydon Mickens will look to catch Doug Marrone’s eye for the final wide receiver spot that was opened up by Marqise Lee’s injury. He’ll likely be competing with Rashad Greene, Sr. and Shane Wynn.

A pair of defensive linemen Dawuane Smoot and Eli Ankou both need to make impressions to earn spots for an already stacked position group. Head Coach Doug Marrone also said backup quarterback Cody Kessler will play Thursday night.

Spots at linebacker and running back are up for grabs on the Bucs’ squad.

Peyton Barber, Ronald Jones and Jacquizz Rodgers are set for the first three roster positions. But, Tampa Bay usually utilizes four running backs in Dirk Koetter’s offense.

Rookie Shaun Wilson is in a two-man race with second-year player Dare Ogunbowale for the final roster spot. Both have impressed in their own right, Wilson in the return game and Ogunbowale as a receiver out of the backfield.

With the talent on our squad right now and the factors our team needs addressed, there are some tough decisions ahead for Licht and company when they decide on the 53-man roster.#GoBucshttps://t.co/h7FHhNsJkF

— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) August 28, 2018

Meanwhile, at linebacker, there is a five-man race for the last two or three roster holes in that position. Adarius Taylor has filled in at the starter role for outside linebacker with Kendell Beckwith sidelined as he recovers from an ankle injury.

The men in the hunt for the backup positions include sixth-round pick from Wisconsin Jack Cichy and former undrafted free agent Cameron Lynch.

Miami Dolphins at Atlanta Falcons, 7:00 p.m.

A rematch of the 2017 regular season matchup that ended in a 20-17 win for the Dolphins. This matchup won’t feature most of those who participated in that game.

“It’s a good time to kind to just chill out a little bit and just think about the preseason, think about everything you’ve learned,” Dolphins safety Reshad Jones.

However, Jones is unlikely to play Thursday night, but Head Coach Adam Gase said some starters could end up seeing some playing time.

– @Kwon_daTRUTH leading the defense
– There's no slowing down @RQuinn94
– @KDx32 talks making plays

Headlines from around the web: https://t.co/q8IqwZt8e8

— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) August 29, 2018

The Falcons have a full-on battle at fullback taking place between Ricky Ortiz and Jalston Fowler. Falcons Head Coach Dan Quinn said the fullback will play 20 to 25 percent of the snaps on the offense. He also said special teams value will factor heavily into the decision.

Also, there is staunch competition for the returner positions that includes rookie wide receiver Calvin Ridley. Special teams coordinator Keith Armstrong said Ridley is a “natural” returner.

Former Georgia wide receiver Reggie Davis will look to snag a roster spot as he is in a three-way battle with Devin Gray and Dontez Byrd.