Goff has not appeared in a preseason game since 2022, which opens the door to the possibility that he could again be kept off the field in the finale. If that happens, the Lions would lean on their backups for the majority of the action, mirroring what occurred against the Cincinnati Bengals and Washington Commanders. The team currently has two primary contenders for the QB2 role: Joshua Dobbs, a veteran with extensive NFL experience, and Luke Altmyer, a rookie undrafted in the most recent draft but signed by Detroit in April and placed into the summer program, including OTAs, minicamp, and training camp.
Dobbs joined Detroit to bring veteran starting experience and a well-traveled résumé. He has spent time with multiple organizations since entering the league in 2017, providing the Lions with a dependable option who could step in with minimal transition. Altmyer, by contrast, is an undrafted rookie who has had extensive exposure to the Lions’ system during the offseason program and early preseason work. While Altmyer has less professional game experience, he has received considerable coaching staff attention and opportunities to operate with the second team in practices and drills, which has helped him acclimate to the coaches’ scheme and terminology.
Early in training camp, expectations centered on Teddy Bridgewater as the primary backup, but Bridgewater’s abrupt retirement led Detroit to pivot and bring in Dobbs. The dynamic between the two quarterbacks has been a focal point of the preseason storylines: Dobbs brings experience and command in multiple systems, while Altmyer has looked like a quick learner who has shown flashes of potential in his first opportunities.
Regarding practice reps, Altmyer has tended to receive more second-team exposure in drills and situational work, a sign that the coaching staff wants to assess his readiness and feel for the playbook under real-game pressure. Dobbs, who arrived in mid-August, has faced a steeper curve since he joined later and has had fewer opportunities to operate within the full playbook during the early preseason. This contrast has contributed to the ongoing debate about which quarterback should serve as the quarterback2 when Week 1 arrives.
Early preseason game performances provided clearer data on their respective trajectories. Altmyer delivered a notable debut, showing calm in the pocket, accuracy on a number of throws, and the ability to move the offense efficiently through much of his playing time. In that game against Cincinnati, Altmyer completed a solid portion of his attempts and compiled notable yardage, though he also faced a couple of interceptions and some pressure that led to sacks. Dobbs’ first appearance for Detroit in the preseason was limited in terms of playing time, resulting in a modest statistical line. The real test came in the subsequent game against Washington, where Dobbs and Altmyer both received extended opportunities. Dobbs started the contest but committed a couple of turnovers early before stabilizing and executing a read-option touchdown run that showcased his athleticism and decision-making under pressure. Altmyer, meanwhile, worked as the quarterback of the second unit and faced more extensive resistance from the defense. He delivered some productive moments but also endured several sacks, which raised questions about his ability to stand firm in the pocket and deliver consistent throws under duress.
As the Colts game approaches, the quarterback competition could finally move toward resolution. A strong outing from Altmyer against Indianapolis—careful decision-making, accurate throws, and efficient progressions—could tilt the balance in his favor, particularly given his longer time within Detroit’s system and comfort with Campbell’s offensive structure. On the other hand, a solid performance from Dobbs, characterized by decisive leadership, efficient command of the offense, and a clean turnover profile, would reinforce his status as the trusted veteran option who can step in as needed.
Beyond the quarterback competition, the Lions’ coaching staff will also be evaluating overall depth and readiness at several skilled positions, as well as ensuring special teams readiness for the upcoming regular season. Preseason provides a critical sandbox for experimentation and refinement, and Detroit will look to extract actionable insights from the Colts game that can be translated into Week 1 preparations.
Ultimately, the decision about who will serve as Jared Goff’s primary backup for Week 1 remains a focal point for Lions fans and analysts alike. The NFL landscape often rewards quarterbacks who can adapt quickly, protect the ball, and execute within a disciplined system. The final preseason result should offer clarity on whether Altmyer’s promising arc in the early games translates into a sustained opportunity, or whether Dobbs’ breadth of experience provides the steadiness Detroit may prioritize as it transitions to the regular season.
As the teams prepare for their meeting in Indianapolis, the overarching goal for Detroit remains ensuring a smooth, low-risk transition behind Goff. The Colts game will be a key data point in determining the QB2 hierarchy and in validating the Lions’ strategy for supporting their veteran starter as they head into Week 1.
