Full Breakdown
Lions to Start Josh Dobbs in Preseason Clash vs. Commanders
8/21/2026, 12:30:40 AM
Core Event
Head coach Dan Campbell announced that veteran quarterback Joshua Dobbs will start for the Detroit Lions in their upcoming preseason game against the Washington Commanders, while starter Jared Goff will sit out. Campbell said the backup-quarterback competition remains open, with Dobbs and undrafted rookie Luke Altmyer expected to receive roughly equal playing time in the contest.
Background & Context
The Lions added Dobbs to the roster after Teddy Bridgewater elected to retire earlier this summer. Dobbs, a 31-year-old who has played for nine teams over ten NFL seasons, signed with Detroit in early August. Altmyer, a rookie, took the majority of backup reps during camp and started the Lions’ preseason opener against the Cincinnati Bengals, where he completed 13 of 22 passes for 130 yards, a touchdown, two interceptions and a fumble. Goff, the incumbent starter, has not appeared in a preseason game since the 2022 season.
Data & Statistics
- Luke Altmyer: 13-of-22 passing, 130 yards, 1 TD, 2 INT, 1 fumble in the first preseason game.
- Joshua Dobbs: 4-of-8 passing, 32 yards in limited action during the same game.
- Jared Goff: No preseason snaps this year; will not play Saturday.
Official Statements & Responses
Campbell emphasized that Dobbs’ veteran experience justifies giving him a look, while also noting the need to bring the rookie up to speed. He described the plan as a “true competition” and indicated that both quarterbacks will share reps to evaluate development. Dobbs expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity, noting that each route repetition helps him synchronize with Detroit’s receivers.
Verbatim Quotes
- “They’re both going to play equal amounts, is kind of the plan here, between [Dobbs] and Altmyer,” — Dan Campbell, head coach “They’re both going to play equal amounts, is kind of the plan here, between [Dobbs] and Altmyer,” — Dan Campbell, head coach
- “Look, Dobbs is a bright guy. He’s played in this league,” — Dan Campbell, head coach “Look, Dobbs is a bright guy. He’s played in this league,” — Dan Campbell, head coach
- — Dan Campbell, head coach “I’m not quite there yet. I just know I don’t see Goff playing,” — Dan Campbell, head coach
- “Even every rep of routes on air with the receivers, first time going to that guy, understanding how they come out of their breaks and cut,” — Joshua Dobbs, quarterback “Even every rep of routes on air with the receivers, first time going to that guy, understanding how they come out of their breaks and cut,” — Quarterback Joshua Dobbs
- “We’ll start Dobbs, but they’ll (Dobbs and Altmyer) play equal amounts. That’s the plan,” — Dan Campbell, head coach “We’ll start Dobbs, but they’ll (Dobbs and Altmyer) play equal amounts. That’s the plan,” — Dan Campbell, head coach
What’s Next
The Lions will field Dobbs as the starter in Saturday’s preseason matchup, using the game to assess both quarterbacks’ readiness and to fine-tune the offensive unit ahead of the regular season. Campbell indicated that decisions on other starters, including the offensive line, will be made after the game.
