Dan Campbell delivered a concise update from Allen Park on Day 16 of training camp, revealing a clearer picture of the Lions’ backup quarterback situation and the health status of key players. The biggest move: Joshua Dobbs will start the upcoming preseason game with Luke Altmyer sharing snaps, while Jared Goff will sit out. This signals a continuing open competition behind Goff but a more defined plan for game reps after this Lions press conference.
Backup quarterback battle narrows but remains open
Campbell confirmed Joshua Dobbs will start the next preseason game, with Luke Altmyer expected to see equal playing time. “It is still open,” Campbell said, emphasizing the coaching staff’s intent to evaluate both young quarterbacks under game conditions. Dobbs’ limited practice reps to this point stemmed from a desire to get Altmyer “soaked” with work, given his promising upside, but now Dobbs will get his chance to showcase readiness. The decision to rest Jared Goff for this game further underscores the focus on developing depth behind the veteran starter.
Edge rushers and linebacker depth shaping up well
The Lions’ edge group is showing encouraging signs of internal competition and growth. DJ Wonnum has impressed with his craftiness and length, while Derrick Moore is just beginning to get reps after returning from injury. Aidan Hutchinson remains a workhorse, having played over 1,000 snaps last season, and the staff is exploring ways to give him more rest to preserve him for the long haul. “It’s hard to take him off the field because he does so much for us,” Campbell said, but the presence of fresh legs like Moore’s offers hope for more rotation. Eric O’Neill, a bit of an enigma positionally, continues to make plays on defense and special teams, adding intriguing depth to the edge rotation.
Jack Campbell’s role remains central to defense
Linebacker Jack Campbell’s indispensability was highlighted as he logged nearly every defensive snap last year. Campbell praised Jack’s physicality and durability, noting he can “take a beating and deliver a beating,” which is rare at middle linebacker. While there is some consideration to reduce his special teams load to keep him fresh for defense, the coaching staff is confident others like Malcolm Rodriguez and Joe Bachie can handle communication duties if needed. The green dot leadership remains firmly with Jack, barring unforeseen circumstances.
Ben Bartch’s concussion clouds left guard competition
The battle for the starting left guard spot faces a key obstacle with Ben Bartch sidelined in concussion protocol after a recent ding. With only four practices left before the season, Campbell acknowledged the shrinking window for Bartch to make a case for the job. “The most important thing is for him to get to where he feels right again and can start practicing,” Campbell said, but the timeline is tight. This leaves the door open for other contenders to stake their claim in the final stretch of camp.
Sam LaPorta’s hip injury monitored but not expected to be long-term
Tight end Sam LaPorta took a hit to the hip the other night and it flared up. Campbell said the staff feels good long term and is resting him to let it calm down. Asked if it could run into the season, he would not close it: “I feel like we’ll be okay, but I don’t know.”
Is the offensive line settling in with Juice Scruggs at center?
Juice Scruggs has taken over center duties exclusively, and while there has been some rust to shake off, Campbell noted improvement in recent days, especially in situational work with Jared Goff. The chemistry between Scruggs and the rest of the offensive line is progressing, with time and reps expected to smooth out communication and execution before the regular season.
Campbell also touched on the team’s upcoming game in Germany against the Patriots, highlighting the unique travel and preparation challenges but expressing excitement about representing both America and Germany. Amon-Ra St. Brown’s heritage adds a special layer of significance to the trip, and the team is eager to showcase NFL football overseas.
What did not change is the staff’s cautious approach to evaluating the roster, opting for efficiency in meetings and maintaining independent assessments rather than group consensus too early. The backup quarterback competition remains open, Bartch’s concussion status leaves the left guard spot unsettled, and the injury outlook for LaPorta is hopeful but not definitive.
This article was created by aggregating Detroit Lions news using Artificial Intelligence.
