Lions Do Not Rule Out Adding New Backup Quarterback to Roster

Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell explained what determining factors he is looking for in the backup quarterback competition.

The Detroit Lions have a lingering battle for the backup quarterback position, heading into the final preseason game. In Tim Boyle and David Blough, head coach Dan Campbell has two players who haven’t set themselves apart from each other through two preseason games.

Both will play in the finale against Pittsburgh. Campbell said he plans to start Boyle, as starting signal-caller Jared Goff will sit out the matchup. Outside of Goff, however, most of the offensive starters are expected to play.

Boyle and Blough could both potentially play with the starting group Sunday, though a final decision on that will be made later in the week.

“I think, number one, we’ve got our first offensive line out there,” Campbell said. “We’ll have our receivers. They’re gonna have all the bullets at their disposal for the most part. And so, let’s see what they do with that.”

Should neither create enough separation to claim the job themselves, the Lions head coach said Thursday he wouldn’t rule out bringing in another signal-caller after cuts are made. 

“There’s always a possibility, that goes with any position,” Campbell said. “We’re still number two on the claim list. So, at the end of this, there’s nothing to say that, because somebody has made our roster that they’re staying that way. Those guys know that, they understand that.”

Blough started the second preseason game, playing the first half before Boyle took over in the second half. In the first preseason game, it was Boyle who came off the bench first, after Goff played the opening series.

With one game left, the pressure is on each backup to prove themself. 

“I think what we need is somebody to really take the reins here,” Campbell said. “Somebody needs to step up out of the two. I thought they both progressed last week. Now, somebody needs to step up and run this offense, play efficient, play smart, take care of the football, get us the first downs and when we get down into the red zone, score touchdowns.”

Levi Onwuzurike update

One young player who has been absent for most of training camp is defensive tackle Levi Onwuzurike. The Washington product has dealt with ailments for most of his time in Detroit, beginning last season as a rookie.

Most recently, he’s been dealing with a back issue that has sidelined him for both preseason games. Campbell provided an update Thursday, but noted that there’s still uncertainty surrounding the second-year defensive tackle.

“It’s hard to say right now,” Campbell said. “I would say there’s no setbacks. He’s trending the right way, but it’s at a snail’s pace, is the best way to say it. He’s doing everything we’re asking him to do, it is getting better. I don’t know, you’re asking me right now, twisting my arm, I would say he’s not available for Philly. That’s me, but we’ll see.”

Briefly

Campbell announced Thursday that, as of the final preseason game, wide receiver Kalif Raymond will be the team’s punt returner, while Godwin Igwebuike will handle the kickoffs.