The Detroit Lions' backup quarterback picture became harder to read after Saturday's 17-13 preseason win over the Washington Commanders at Ford Field. Veteran Josh Dobbs, expected to be the primary backup to Jared Goff, had a night of extreme highs and lows, while undrafted rookie Luke Altmyer offered a composed alternative.
Dobbs's roller-coaster outing
Dobbs' night started disastrously. On the second play from scrimmage, he was hit by blitzing cornerback Amik Robertson and lost the football. The Commanders recovered the bouncing ball in the end zone for a defensive touchdown in the game's first minute. Dobbs acknowledged the surprise: "Like I looked over there, I was like, 'Wow, the flat's wide open, where's the corner?' ... He's in my chest. So yeah, like it's part of football, and I think it's how you respond."
The trouble continued on the next drive. Dobbs overthrew receiver Tay Martin, and Commanders safety Quan Martin secured the interception. Dobbs later said he was "trying to do too much" on the play.
But the veteran recovered impressively. On third-and-3 from midfield, Dobbs kept an option play and ran 50 yards for a game-tying touchdown. He credited running back Jacob Saylors for carrying out the fake, with tight ends Sam LaPorta and Tyler Conklin providing key blocks. Dobbs finished the game having completed 7 of 12 passes for 74 yards, with an interception and a lost fumble, while also demonstrating his dual-threat ability.
After the game, head coach Dan Campbell said of Dobbs: "He got out of it. And I thought that run was big."
Altmyer's steadier performance
Luke Altmyer, an undrafted free agent signed after the 2025 draft, entered in the second and fourth quarters. He completed 9 of 13 passes for 86 yards, was sacked four times, and turned the ball over. The contrast between the two quarterbacks—one with a highlight-reel run and two costly giveaways, the other clean and often under pressure—was apparent.
Campbell acknowledged the highs and lows of the game. "I thought there were highs and lows," he said, though the exact scope of his remarks wasn't specified. Altmyer said after the game that he hoped to improve after watching film.
The Lions have previously kept only two quarterbacks on the roster, using a practice squad spot for a third. Dobbs was not signed for nearly five months in the offseason, and Altmyer went undrafted, which could make it easier to pass him through waivers. But Altmyer's steady play has made the decision difficult.
Running back additions and concerns
Running backs also complicated the roster math. "Pretty good, huh? I mean those guys ran hard," Campbell said. Jacob Saylors led the running backs with a 5.3-yard average on six carries, likely solidifying his spot as the team's reliable fourth back. Trayveon Williams, a 28-year-old with rushing attempts, ran 11 times for 36 yards and a touchdown, and added a 24-yard catch-and-run. His effort was celebrated by Jameson Williams and Jahmyr Gibbs on the sideline.
Drafted running back Sione Vaki, absent due to a back spasm/k, remains valuable as a special teamer. Jabari Small, who ran for 16 yards on three carries, is in concussion protocol. Isiah Pacheco, expected to be the RB2, is nursing a sprained MCL and has not practiced for two weeks.
Other roster notes
The offensive line remains connected to the roster announcement. Jackson Meeks caught a late fourth-and-3, led the team in receiving, and forced the game-clinching fumble on kickoff coverage. Campbell said of Meeks: "He continues to grow... He's strong, and he's willing. And he's smart." Wide receiver Kendrick Law is on injured reserve with a season-ending injury. Defensive backs Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph are on the physically unable to perform list.
The Lions have three holdings practice sessions and one more preseason game before next Sunday's 6 p.m. roster deadline. The quarterback decision may be the most difficult.