Joique Bell vs. Ameer Abdullah leads interesting list of Lions offensive camp battles

Unlike some other years for the Detroit Lions, the franchise can look and feel comfortable that barring injury, most of the starting lineup is set entering next week's 2015 training camp.

There are still some places open, though, and some battles to watch.

One of the biggest was covered earlier at defensive tackle, where Haloti Ngata is set at one spot and the other one is wide open. Then there's the situation at running back, Sam linebacker, nickelback, third wide receiver, kick and punt returner, left guard and the fourth offensive tackle spot.

Not all of these positions are high profile, but that's not a bad thing for a franchise that is trying to make back-to-back playoff appearances for the first time since the mid-1990s, when the Lions made three straight trips to the playoffs.

So here's a brief primer on what to look for at each of the offensive position battles entering training camp, starting with the running backs.

Joique Bell vs. Ameer Abdullah vs. Theo Riddick: Another situation where both players will be involved, this is going to be a situation playing out throughout the season and perhaps coming to a conclusion in 2016. Bell's injuries are the thing to pay attention to right now. Due to that, how much time will Abdullah receive early and will it be enough to possibly win over the Lions coaches sooner than later. But both will have a role in 2015. Riddick seems like the third man in this equation and could be headed back to a third-down/two-minute pass-situations role this season. Gut pick: Bell.

Manny Ramirez vs. Laken Tomlinson: Another both-on-the-roster scenario, the Lions want Tomlinson to win the left guard job. They invested a first-round pick on Tomlinson and he should slide into that spot eventually. If Ramirez is still running with the first team by the second preseason game, it's time to wonder if he's going to win the job. Gut pick: Tomlinson.

Every receiver other than Calvin Johnson and Golden Tate: There are too many options to name here but that says how wide open the receiver spot is after the two locked-in starters. Jeremy Ross is the incumbent at No. 3 receiver but no lock to make the roster as his primary value has been at returner. Corey Fuller is the likely next option on the outside and has an inside track to a roster spot. Lance Moore, Ryan Broyles, Ross and TJ Jones all have legit shots -- and big camps could vault Andrew Peacock, Greg Salas or even Vernon Johnson to a roster spot. In short: Anyone who has a handle on the receiver position right now doesn't. Gut pick: Moore.

Michael Williams vs. Corey Robinson vs. Xavier Proctor: This is not an exciting competition but it is one that might matter. The No. 4 tackle has started games the past two seasons, so while the Lions hope for health, this player might matter. Williams, despite converting from tight end before last season, has the experience against a rookie and a converted defensive tackle. Unless Detroit signs another tackle, he could be the guy in a total battle of unknowns. Gut pick: Williams.