The Detroit Lions are gearing up for their 2026 preseason opener against the Cincinnati Bengals, scheduled for Thursday, August 13, at 7 p.m. EDT at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio. Newly signed quarterback Joshua Dobbs is looking to find his rhythm as he joins a competitive roster.
Why it matters: Dobbs' addition to the Lions brings experience and depth to the quarterback position, especially as the team prepares for its first game of the season. His performance could impact the team's dynamics significantly.
Dobbs signed with the Lions on August 10, just days before the preseason opener, and is currently listed as the third quarterback on the depth chart.
The Lions' starting quarterback is Jared Goff, with rookie Luke Altmyer positioned as the second string.
Dobbs has a wealth of experience, having played for multiple teams in the NFL, including Jacksonville, Cleveland, and Tennessee.
Driving the news: The Lions are looking to make a statement in their first preseason game against the Bengals. Head coach Dan Campbell expressed excitement about the team's performance and the competitive nature of the wide receiver room.
Campbell shared insights on the team's preparation, noting the importance of building chemistry among players.
In a recent media session, Campbell emphasized the need for the team to establish a strong identity during the preseason.
The matchup against the Bengals will be a key opportunity for players like Dobbs to showcase their skills and solidify their roles on the team.
State of play: As the Lions finalize their roster, several players are stepping up to make an impact this season. Dobbs is eager to contribute and build momentum during practice.
During a media session, Dobbs discussed his plans to get back into rhythm, highlighting the importance of practice this week.
He mentioned his relationship with Goff, which dates back to high school, as a source of support and camaraderie.
Dobbs aims to learn from both Goff and offensive coordinator Drew Petzing, enhancing his skill set and adaptability.
The big picture: The Lions have high hopes for the upcoming season, and the preseason is a time for players to prove themselves and earn their spots.
RB Jahmyr Gibbs expressed enthusiasm about his future in Detroit, indicating a strong commitment to the team's success.
Associate head coach Scottie Montgomery praised Gibbs' strengths and highlighted the contributions of Petzing to the offensive strategy.
With several new faces in the lineup, including Dobbs, the Lions are focused on building a cohesive unit that can compete effectively.
What they're saying: Players and coaches alike are optimistic about the team's potential this season.
"I’m excited to get back into the rhythm again and build momentum during practice this week," Dobbs said about his preparations.
Campbell noted the significance of the wide receiver competition, stating, "We’ve got a lot of talent in that room, and I can’t wait to see how they perform against Cincinnati."
Altmyer spoke about managing emotions before his first NFL game, emphasizing the value of learning from experienced players like Goff.
By the numbers: Dobbs brings impressive college stats to the Lions, having played at Tennessee from 2013-16.
He totaled 7,138 passing yards and 53 passing touchdowns during his collegiate career.
On the ground, he added 2,160 rushing yards and 32 rushing touchdowns, demonstrating versatility as a dual-threat quarterback.
Dobbs was selected by Pittsburgh in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL draft, marking the beginning of his professional career.
What's next: The Lions will face the Bengals in their preseason opener, where attention will turn to the quarterback competition.
Dobbs will look to make a strong impression, potentially vying for a more prominent role as the season progresses.
The team will continue to evaluate player performances throughout the preseason, aiming to finalize their roster ahead of the regular season.
Fans are eager to see how the newly assembled team, including Dobbs, will perform in their first game together.