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Lions to Start Joshua Dobbs, Goff Sits

8/21/2026

24 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Dobbs Starts vs Commanders

The Detroit Lions will start veteran backup Joshua Dobbs at quarterback against the Washington Commanders on Aug. 22, 2026.
Undrafted rookie Luke Altmyer will receive roughly equal playing time with Dobbs in that game.
Starting quarterback Jared Goff will sit out the Saturday matchup.
Coach Dan Campbell said the backup competition stays open, calling Dobbs a bright veteran and Altmyer promising.

Summary

Petzing Evaluates Playbook

Offensive coordinator Drew Petzing will evaluate his playbook in the preseason matchup.
Center Cade Mays remains sidelined with a wrist injury, so Juice Scruggs starts.
Ben Bartch entered concussion protocol, narrowing the left-guard battle and favoring Christian Mahogany.
Rookie first-round tackle Blake Miller made his debut against the Bengals last week.
Cornerback Rock Ya-Sin seeks to secure a starter role after a strong preseason.

History

Historical Context

After the NFL introduced a $34.6 million salary cap and tighter roster rules in 1994, teams began cutting deep into preseason squads. Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell applied that pressure in 2026, trimming 90 hopefuls to keep backup quarterback Joshua Dobbs for the August 22 game against rookie Luke Altmyer, while coordinator Drew Petzing reshaped the playbook amid injuries.

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Dobbs Starts vs Commanders

The Detroit Lions will start veteran backup Joshua Dobbs at quarterback against the Washington Commanders on Aug. 22, 2026.
Undrafted rookie Luke Altmyer will receive roughly equal playing time with Dobbs in that game.
Starting quarterback Jared Goff will sit out the Saturday matchup.
Coach Dan Campbell said the backup competition stays open, calling Dobbs a bright veteran and Altmyer promising.

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