As the Detroit Lions prepare for their second NFL preseason game, Lions head coach Dan Campbell named veteran quarterback Josh Dobbs as Detroit's Saturday starter against the Washington Commanders from Ford Field. " It is still open," Campbell said of the Lions' backup quarterback job. " We're going to start Dobbs this game... (Jared) Goff's not playing. We'll start Dobbs, but they're both going to play equal amounts is kind of the plan here between he and (Luke) Altmyer. "
Dobbs arrived in Detroit last week after Teddy Bridgewater's retirement announcement, but the veteran is still digesting the Lions' playbook. Saturday's start is a great opportunity for Dobbs to get more reps directing Detroit's offense.
Josh Dobbs is starting at QB against Washington this Saturday. Dobbs will split reps with Luke Altmyer. Jared Goff will not play according to Campbell #Lions — Brooke Kirchhofer (@brookechesney) August 20, 2026 Dobbs, 31, has played for nine teams in his 10 NFL seasons and is on his second stint with the Lions and third with first-year Lions offensive coordinator Drew Petzing. Dobbs went 1-7 as a starter for Petzing with the Arizona Cardinals in 2023, and the two also worked together throughout much of the 2022 season with the Cleveland Browns. "
Look, Dobbs is a bright guy," Campbell explained of why Dobbs has had limited reps so far. " He’s played in this league, but also, man, just making sure we got him up to speed, being true to that. And also, Luke’s a young player, but he’s promising. And getting him, trying to soak him with reps, so it was just kind of a little bit of that. But, we’ll get a look at Dobbs here and let him go. " Dobbs recognizes the importance of the opportunity. " I haven't had a ton of on-field opportunities, that's why Saturday I think will be great to get on the field and break the huddle and go through it," Dobbs said. "
I'm looking forward to it. " Saturday's clash against the Commanders from Ford Field is scheduled to kick off at noon ET and will be broadcast on Fox 2 Detroit and the Lions TV Network. The game will also air on the radio on the Lions Radio Network. For more Lions coverage, follow us on X, @TheLionsWire, and give our Facebook page a like. Follow Scout on X: @SpringgateNews This article originally appeared on Lions Wire: Detroit Lions name Josh Dobbs starting QB vs.
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