6 players to watch in Friday's preseason games

There are a number of players out for redemption in Week 2 of the NFL preseason. As more starters take the field, position battles will intensify and performances will be further dissected.

Many of the teams playing Friday want more from their first-team units. While the results are of little consequence, production and development are paramount.

Here are six players to keep an eye on Friday night:

Matt Jones, Redskins

Jones' first foray as the Redskins' lead running back was far worse than quiet. The sophomore handled two carries for a grand total of one yard in the team's preseason opener last week. "We have to run the ball better," head coach Jay Gruden implored this week. If Jones is to instill confidence in the fan base and fantasy football enthusiasts everywhere, he'll have to grab a firm handle on the No. 1 job. He can start with a better showing in preseason game No. 2 against the New York Jets.

Dallas Thomas, Dolphins

The first preseason game was just as poor for the Dolphins' starters. The first-team offense sputtered in its two series, eliciting cries of panic in Miami. Offensive coordinator Clyde Christensen admitted it will be an important week as the Dolphins hope to play their regular-season starters in the third preseason game. In the few snaps he saw last week, Thomas managed to go viral when he was put on skates on a line rush. If he hopes to start and hold off rookie Laremy Tunsil, this is the week to impress.

Darius Philon, Chargers

The Chargers envision paring Philon with No. 3 overall draft pick Joey Bosa as defensive bookends, but without the rookie in their first preseason game, San Diego allowed 288 yards rushing to the Tennessee Titans. DeMarco Murray and Derrick Henry ran roughshod over every unit the Chargers put in front of them, forcing the Bolts to have to regroup against the Arizona Cardinals.

Dak Prescott, Cowboys

Was it a mirage? Can he do it again? The fourth-round pick had the air of a seasoned veteran when he lit up the Los Angeles Rams for two touchdowns in his first exhibition game. The home fans will get their first look at Prescott this week and he'll get the chance to see if the big stage at Jerry's World isn't too big for him either. Oh, and he'll have to avoid injury, too, because there's only one other backup quarterback on the roster.

Su'a Cravens, Redskins

The rookie second-round draft pick has impressed in camp. Coach Gruden said, like most rookies, he missed an assignment or two in his first preseason game, but he has a nose for the football. He can carve out an important role on the defense by standing out from the crowd in game action.

Arian Foster, Dolphins

After Jay Ajayi's disappointing preseason debut last week, Foster has the chance to intensify the competition for the No. 1 running back job. A strong showing Friday against the Cowboys will go a long way to that end as coach Adam Gase said he's ready to unveil the team's offseason signee. The Dolphins will be cautious about exposing the veteran to contact after his Achilles injury, but they also want to give him time with the first-team offense in order to determine who will start the season in the backfield.