6 players to watch in Thursday's preseason games

The third preseason game has often been hailed as a regular-season dress rehearsal for most teams as they allow their starting units to play into the second half.

On the first night of the third week of preseason, four teams will be in action.

Fans of the Atlanta Falcons, Miami Dolphins, Dallas Cowboys, and Seattle Seahawks will be the first to get an extended look at their teams' starting units.

Here are five players to watch as the Falcons travel to Miami and the Cowboys take on the Seahawks.

Ezekiel Elliott, Cowboys

It's finally happening. Ezekiel Elliott is making his highly anticipated NFL debut, completing the newest version of the modern day triplets with Tony Romo and Dez Bryant. He was the highest running back drafted since Trent Richardson in 2012 and brings sky-high expectations along with him from his impressive Ohio State career. As the most complete back in this year's draft, Elliott should produce some impressive performances behind the Cowboys' stacked offensive line.

Mohamed Sanu, Falcons

After Roddy White was essentially useless last season in Atlanta, the team added Sanu to help pull coverage away from Julio Jones and provide Matt Ryan with another reliable weapon. He had to battle for the right to play second fiddle to A.J. Green in Cincinnati, but is the clear-cut No. 2 with the Falcons. As long as he's healthy, the fifth-year pro will get the most snaps and targets he's had so far in his career.

Kiko Alonso and Byron Maxwell, Dolphins

Coming to the Dolphins united as a pair of failed Chip Kelly experiments this offseason, Maxwell and Alonso are question marks in Miami. Maxwell, expected to be the No. 1 corner, will get a chance to redeem himself against Julio Jones on Thursday after the Falcons receiver embarrassed him in the Monday night opener last year. Alonso had a legendary rookie season with the Buffalo Bills in 2013, but injuries have deterred his career to mediocrity. Both players will fill impact roles on the Dolphins' defense, but whether they will be stars or easy targets, is yet to be seen.

Jeremy Lane, Seahawks

With All-Pro defensive backs Richard Sherman, Earl Thomas, and Kam Chancellor in his secondary, Lane will be heavily targeted by opposing offenses. He's the new Cary Williams, who was the new Byron Maxwell, who was the new Brandon Browner. If Lane can emerge as a dangerous defender in his own right, that leaves very little space for quarterbacks to throw to, but if he can't, Lane could be the most-targeted corner in the NFL this season.

Kenny Stills, Dolphins

Stills was a disappointment in his first season after being traded from the Saints in the 2015 offseason, registering career-lows in receptions and yards. With offensive wonderboy Adam Gase taking over as head coach, Stills has capitalized on the opportunity early on, making three catches for 71 yards and two touchdowns in the team's second preseason game. He's got some competition for targets on his hands with Jarvis Landry and DeVante Parker on the roster, but Stills' ability as a deep-ball receiver could set him apart.