ALLEN PARK — The Lions' four preseason games will determine, in large part, which receivers will fill the fourth and fifth spots on the 53-man roster.

Of course Calvin Johnson, Nate Burleson and Ryan Broyles are locks.

But after that, there are major questions. Among those in contention are Patrick Edwards, Kris Durham, Micheal Spurlock, Chaz Schilens, Terrence Austin, Mike Thomas, Corey Fuller, Matt Willis and Cody Wilson (Rochester Adams, Central Michigan).

“We’ll see in preseason games. I think we have very good competition in there. We have a lot of guys that are capable of claiming it. It’s just one of those things where some days it looks like somebody had a really good day, then other days somebody else will step up,’’ coach Jim Schwartz said. “Like we said before, the person who gets an open job is somebody that is going to be consistent over the course of time.”

Each of the competitors seems to have an area of strength and like Schwartz said some have good days, some bad. How they can contribute on special teams will also play a factor. Edwards is in the mix to return punts along with Willis, Thomas and Austin. Others are getting looks on special teams units. Spurlock is a veteran known for his special teams’ play.

“They have to have a role in offense. I wouldn’t necessarily say that they have to complement the other guys. They have to have something that they can bring to the party,’’ Schwartz said. “Having something that they can contribute offensively or to special teams, that’ll be important in those evaluations also.”

It could be a battle to the bitter end for those two spots.

The first preseason game is at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Ford Field against the New York Jets.

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