The Detroit Lions open Phase 3 of their offseason program with their first of nine Organized Team Activity practices today.

During OTAs, teams can run full-team and seven-on-seven drills, though pads and full contact remain prohibited.

The Lions have OTAs Tuesday-Thursday this week and next, a three-day mandatory minicamp June 4-6, and their final OTAs for rookies and select young veterans June 10-12.

Here are five storylines I’ll be keeping tabs on before the Lions break for summer

Health and safety

Kerby Joseph said he won’t take part in OTAs this spring while he rehabs from offseason hip surgery, and second-year defensive back Brian Branch was photographed on a knee scooter with his left foot in a boot during the NFL draft.

The Lions have a lot of new faces in their secondary and not much depth at safety. If Joseph and Branch are out or limited, the Lions will have to shuffle personnel in a manner that could provide a glimpse at their backup plan for the season. Rookie second-round pick Ennis Rakestraw Jr. took snaps at Branch’s slot cornerback spot in rookie minicamp, and C.J. Moore would presumably be next up at safety.

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Catch and release

Jahmyr Gibbs had a standout rookie season with 945 yards rushing and 10 touchdowns and is poised for an even bigger role in 2024. He averaged 5.2 yards per carry last season, and even splitting time with David Montgomery emerged as one of the most dynamic running backs in the league.

While some pegged Gibbs as a third-down or change-of-pace back to start his career, he had less impact than expected in the passing game. Gibbs still caught 52 passes for 316 yards, but he had eight drops and averaged just 6.1 yards per reception. Perhaps the Lions will use the spring to get Gibbs more involved as a receiver.

Return policy

The NFL adopted new kickoff rules this offseason. Teams still will kick off from their own 35-yard line, but coverage units now start from the return team’s 40-yard line with most of the return unit 5 yards away, and no one in coverage or blocking can move until the ball is fielded or hits the ground.

The spring is a time for tinkering and for testing theories on what type of athletes will fit best in new roles on special teams. Lions coach Dan Campbell said in March he was "excited" about the opportunity to scheme up new ideas in the kick game. OTAs will be his laboratory.

Hook, line and sinker

The Lions have a clear pecking order at quarterback, with Jared Goff and his new four-year, $212 million extension locked into the top job, Hendon Hooker ticketed for backup duties and Nate Sudfeld a safety net at No. 3.

Hooker barely practiced last season, though, in his return from a college knee injury, and needs reps to get ready for the season. He should get plenty of time under center this spring, including in the last week of OTAs, when his decision-making, accuracy and arm strength will be on semi-public display for the first time in Detroit.

Rush week

James Houston had eight sacks in seven games as a rookie then barely played last season because of injury. Brodric Martin played 28 defensive snaps in three games. Josh Paschal had one sack in his second NFL season.

The Lions signed Marcus Davenport and D.J. Reader to bolster their defensive line in free agency, but still need more pass rush to complement Aidan Hutchinson. Houston, Martin and Paschal are young players headed for potential make-or-break falls. All three should get plenty of work this spring as they try to carve our roles for the fall.

Contact Dave Birkett at dbirkett@freepress.com. Follow him on X and Instagram at @davebirkett.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit Lions open OTAs: 5 storylines to watch