Josh Dobbs named starting QB for Lions against Commanders in preseason
5 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 20, 2026, 6:04 PM
Last updated Aug 20, 2026
Josh Dobbs will start at quarterback for the Detroit Lions in their preseason game against the Washington Commanders on Saturday, Aug. 22. Lions coach Dan Campbell confirmed that starting quarterback Jared Goff will not play, having sat out of preseason games since 2022. Dobbs, signed on Aug. 9 following Teddy Bridgewater's retirement, has limited preseason experience, previously playing only three series in a game against the Cincinnati Bengals. Dobbs will split reps with undrafted rookie Luke Altmyer, who has been mainly taking backup reps since the start of training camp. The competition for the backup quarterback position remains ongoing between Dobbs and Altmyer.
- •Dobbs signed with Lions on Aug. 9 after Bridgewater's retirement.
- •Goff has not played in a preseason game since 2022.
- •Dobbs and Altmyer will share quarterback reps against the Commanders.
- •Altmyer had 130 passing yards and one touchdown against the Commanders.
- •Competition for the backup QB role continues between Dobbs and Altmyer.
- 6:04 PMYahoo Sports — Lions to start QB Josh Dobbs; select starters vs. Commanders
- 5:35 PMYahoo Sports — Lions will start Joshua Dobbs at QB on Saturday vs. Commanders
- 5:12 PMYahoo Sports — Josh Dobbs to start at QB for Lions in preseason game vs Commanders
"Dan Campbell said Jared Goff won't play in Lions vs Commanders, but he hasn't made any decisions about holding out other starters in preseason game.
"Quarterback Joshua Dobbs will get an opportunity to go ahead in Detroit’s backup competition this weekend.
"The Detroit Lions plan to start Josh Dobbs against the Commanders in second game of 2026 preseason.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsAug 20, 2026, 6:04 PMLions to start QB Josh Dobbs; select starters vs. Commanders
The Detroit Lions plan to start Josh Dobbs against the Commanders in second game of 2026 preseason.
- Yahoo SportsAug 20, 2026, 5:35 PMLions will start Joshua Dobbs at QB on Saturday vs. Commanders
Quarterback Joshua Dobbs will get an opportunity to go ahead in Detroit’s backup competition this weekend.
- Yahoo SportsAug 20, 2026, 5:12 PMJosh Dobbs to start at QB for Lions in preseason game vs Commanders
Dan Campbell said Jared Goff won't play in Lions vs Commanders, but he hasn't made any decisions about holding out other starters in preseason game.
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