Quarterback Joshua Dobbs will get an opportunity to go ahead in Detroit’s backup competition this weekend.
Head coach Dan Campbell told reporters in his Thursday press conference that Dobbs will start for the Lions when they host the Commanders on Saturday, as starter Jared Goff will not play.
Last week, rookie Luke Altmyer started and played 67 percent of the offensive snaps. Dobbs then came in and played the remaining 33 percent.
Campbell said the competition is still open between the two QBs.
“They’re both going to play equal amounts, is kind of the plan here, between [Dobbs] and Altmyer,” Campbell said.
Altmyer was 13-of-22 for 130 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions in his preseason debut. Dobbs was 4-of-8 for 32 yards against Cincinnati last week.
Campbell noted that the rep distribution in practice and in games has been partially determined by Dobbs’ status as a veteran and Altmyer’s as a rookie.
“Look, Dobbs is a bright guy. He’s played in this league,” Campbell said. “But also, just making sure we’ve got him up to speed, being true to that. And also, Luke’s a young player. But he’s promising. Getting him, trying to soak him with reps. So, it’s just kind of a little bit of that. But we’ll get a look at Dobbs here and let him go.”
The Lions brought in Dobbs on Aug. 9 after Teddy Bridgewater elected to retire.
Additionally, while Goff won’t play on Saturday, Campbell hasn’t made that determination about all starters.
“I’m not quite there yet. I just know I don’t see Goff playing,” Campbell said.
