ALLEN PARK, Mich. – Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell said the competition for the team’s backup quarterback job remains open as the team prepares for its second preseason game.
Campbell said Joshua Dobbs will start the upcoming game, with Luke Altmyer also expected to play an equal number of snaps.
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Jared Goff will not play.
“It’s still open,” Campbell said.
Campbell said the Lions are looking for growth as they move from one preseason game to the next, particularly from younger players learning how to respond when the lights come on.
“You just need to feel like things are cleaned up, that you’re not making the same mistake twice,” Campbell said.
Dobbs has received fewer practice reps than Altmyer.
Still, Campbell said that was partly because the veteran quarterback was getting up to speed while the team also wanted to give Altmyer plenty of opportunities.
“Dobbs is a bright guy. He’s played in this league,” Campbell said. “But also, man, just making sure we got him up to speed.”
Campbell said Dobbs will get an extended opportunity in the upcoming preseason game.
Lions managing workloads for key players
Campbell also said Goff will not play in the game, while the team has not yet finalized whether other starters will see action.
The Lions are also looking for ways to reduce the workload for some of their defensive stars during the regular season.
Former Michigan Wolverines star Aidan Hutchinson played more than 1,000 defensive snaps last season, and Campbell said the team would like to give the Pro Bowl defensive end more opportunities to come off the field.
“He doesn’t get tired. He doesn’t wear down. He just keeps coming,” Campbell said. “But we also know, man, if we can take some off of him, it’s only going to help, not only now, but long term.”
Campbell said adding players such as fellow Wolverines star Derrick Moore and others could give the defensive line more depth and allow Hutchinson occasional breaks.
D.J. Reed has also returned to practice and is working his way back into the rotation.
Lions evaluating Eric O’Neill
One player who has caught Campbell’s attention during training camp is defensive lineman Eric O’Neill.
Campbell said O’Neill has consistently made plays and has shown versatility as the coaching staff continues to determine where he fits best.
“He’s a guy that makes plays every day,” Campbell said.
Campbell described O’Neill as smart, crafty, and a player with several tools as a pass rusher.
He said O’Neill has also made an impact on special teams.
“He’s intriguing,” Campbell said. “Some of it is really fit, man. Where does he fit?”
Jack Campbell remains key to defense
Linebacker Jack Campbell, who played more than 99% of the Lions’ defensive snaps last season, remains a critical part of the defense.
Campbell said the linebacker is particularly valuable because of his physicality and ability to handle a heavy workload.
“He’s too valuable,” Campbell said. “He just does everything for us.”
The Lions could reduce some of his special teams responsibilities to preserve him for defense.
If Campbell were unavailable, the Lions have several players who could take over the defensive communication duties, including Malcolm Rodriguez and Derrick Barnes.
LaPorta dealing with hip issue
Tight end Sam LaPorta is also dealing with a hip issue after taking a hit in the Lions’ previous game.
Campbell said the injury flared up but described LaPorta’s outlook as positive.
“He’s a little aggravated, but we feel good long term about him,” Campbell said. “We’re just resting him for a little bit here and letting it calm down.”
Campbell did not rule out the possibility that the injury could affect the start of the regular season but said he expected the team to be OK.
Offensive line continues to take shape
Campbell said Juice Scruggs is expected to play center in the upcoming preseason game as he continues working with Goff and the rest of the offensive line.
Scruggs recently returned and is getting additional work at center, where Campbell said he needs to shake off some rust and develop more consistency with the team’s calls.
“Time on task,” Campbell said. “We’ve got time to get there.”
Campbell also provided an update on guard Ben Bartch, who is in the NFL’s concussion protocol.
Bartch has missed the last two practices and is competing for the starting left guard job.
With only a handful of practices remaining, Campbell acknowledged that Bartch’s window to push for the starting role is shrinking.
“The most important thing is for him to get to where he feels right again,” Campbell said.
Lions preparing for Germany
The Lions will also have an international trip on the horizon this season when they face the New England Patriots in Germany on Sunday, Nov. 15, 2026.
Campbell said the team will begin preparing its game plan before traveling overseas, with the Lions expected to fly that Thursday night for the Sunday game.
The team will practice after arriving and have some downtime before the game to adjust to its surroundings.
Campbell said the Lions are excited about playing in Germany and embraced the idea of having international fans behind them.
“We’re Germany’s team, too,” Campbell said. “We’re not just Americans, we’re Germany’s team.”
The Lions also have a connection to Germany through wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, whose family has German heritage.
Campbell said the Lions want to use the game to showcase the NFL and their style of football to German fans.
“We want to represent, and we want to show you about NFL football and the way that we think it should be played — and put on a show,” Campbell said.