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"They say it's a scrimmage, it's not a scrimmage," Marinelli said. "Nobody's going to the ground. It's a normal team work, but it's going to be a lot of situations."

Most practices begin with an installation period to go over plays, then stretching, then position drills. Full team work is followed by a special-teams period, then more 11-on-11, and one final kick or punt to end the day.

Marinelli said Saturday's scrimmage will cover most scenarios, from goal-line punt to two-minute drills to red-zone offense.

"It's kind of a rehearsal to start the preseason," Marinelli said.

The 3:30 p.m. scrimmage is open to the public, but fans need tickets to attend. Free tickets are available at local Wireless GIANT stores.

The Lions open their exhibition slate Thursday against the defending Super Bowl champion Giants at Ford Field.

Running back Tatum Bell was excused from Friday's practice for personal reasons. In Bell's absence, Kevin Smith took most of the work with the first team.

Cornerback Brian Kelly also sat out his third straight day after having his knee drained.

David Birkett covers the Lions for The Oakland Press. E-mail him at dave.birkett@oakpress.com and read his blog at Blog Central at theoaklandpress.com.