Rookie Kevin Smith is expected to start Sunday at Atlanta. He is the only one who went through training camp and exhibitions with the Lions, and the Lions are excited about how well he fits their zone scheme.

Veteran Rudi Johnson is listed as a backup. He might get a few carries, but he needs to learn the offense. Once he gets comfortable, if he stays healthy, he should challenge Smith for carries.

Rookie Marcus Thomas is the third back. The Lions claimed him off waivers from San Diego. He also needs to learn the offense. He could help the Lions' coverage teams immediately, however.

PLAYER NOTES

--TE Dan Campbell is expected to play after battling elbow and hamstring injuries, but he isn't expected to play the whole game. Campbell played only two games last year and missed much of the preseason.

--S Kalvin Pearson gave up No. 32 to new RB Rudi Johnson and took No. 24.

--CB Leigh Bodden has switched from No. 30 to No. 28, the number he wore last year at Cleveland. It used to belong to RB Tatum Bell, who was released.

--DT Langston Moore is not expected to start, but he could spell DT Chuck Darby significantly Sunday.

--WR Shaun McDonald is expected to return punts.

--WR Mike Furrey is expected to return kicks.

GAME PLAN: The game plan will be pretty similar every week this season. The Lions will try to establish the run to open up the field for wide receivers Calvin Johnson and Roy Williams and to keep the defense off the field. Now that CB DeAngelo Hall is gone and playing for the Oakland Raiders, the Falcons might have a hard time matching up with Johnson and Williams. The Lions will want to take advantage of a shaky Atlanta line and get some heat on rookie quarterback Matt Ryan in his first NFL start.

MATCHUPS TO WATCH: Lions WR Calvin Johnson vs. Atlanta secondary - Johnson seems on the verge of a breakout season. If the Lions force the Falcons to respect the run, the Falcons won't be able to double-team Johnson every down. And if they give him single coverage, they have no one who can match up with him. Johnson has recovered from the back injury that bothered him much of last season, and he looks ready to dominate.

Lions defensive line vs. Atlanta offensive line: Neither unit is well-regarded, but the Falcons' offensive line isn't impressive, and the Lions have a deep, lean unit that can be disruptive. If the Lions can put some heat on rookie QB Matt Ryan, his first NFL start could turn into a long day. If he rushes throws, the Lions' revamped secondary will have a chance to make some plays.

INJURY IMPACT: The Lions' only injury of note is to TE Dan Campbell, who didn't play in the preseason because of elbow and hamstring problems. Campbell is a veteran who doesn't need much time to prepare, but he didn't go through a full practice Wednesday, and that isn't a good sign. If he can't play, the Lions lose a strong blocker for their new zone running attack.