Preseason Updates: Detroit Lions

The Footballguys staff gives you all the preseason tidbits from the Detroit Lions.

Jeff Blaylock's Preseason Updates: Detroit Lions Jeff Blaylock Published 08/31/2026

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Updates from Week 4

Preseason Updates: Quarterbacks

Jared Goff did not play in the Lions' final preseason game Saturday, but he was sharp in Thursday's scrimmage-style practice, driving the first-team offense 99 yards for a touchdown on a drive that included a 21-yard back-shoulder throw to Jameson Williams, a screen play to Williams to convert a third-and-12, a 22-yard crosser to Amon-Ra St. Brown, and a 14-yard play-action bootleg to Isaac TeSlaa before finishing with a touchdown pass to Williams; he later threw another touchdown to St. Brown. Joshua Dobbs cemented his spot as Goff's backup this week, completing 12 of 14 passes for 110 yards and two touchdowns in the first half of Saturday's game, highlighted by a touchdown drive during a two-minute drill at the end of the half, while Luke Altmyer struggled with an interception and two fumbles and was subsequently waived, according to Tom Pelissero; if Altmyer clears waivers, he would likely land on the team's practice squad.

Preseason Updates: Running Backs

Jahmyr Gibbs did not play in Saturday's game but scored touchdowns on runs of 59 and 16 yards in Thursday's final practice, while projected backup Isiah Pacheco has missed recent practices with a back injury and has no clear timeline for returning; coach Dan Campbell said he is no longer concerned about a knee injury that kept Pacheco sidelined earlier in camp, but he could not provide "anything definitive" about Pacheco's back, saying, "It's been a little touch-and-go right now." Jacob Saylors put an exclamation point on his roster claim with 17 carries for 100 yards and two receptions for 12 yards in the first half alone of Saturday's game, leading all NFL running backs with 187 rushing yards and 227 scrimmage yards in the preseason; Campbell said he had total confidence in Saylors and prefers a backup familiar with the system and offensive terminology. Sione Vaki did not play Saturday because the coaching staff felt he had already done enough to earn his roster spot, and Trayveon Williams was waived despite scoring two touchdowns and rushing for 57 yards on nine carries against the Colts.

Preseason Updates: Wide Receivers

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