The battle between Luke Altmyer and Josh Dobbs for the Detroit Lions' backup QB job is the highlight of preseason Game 3.
Entering training camp, there likely wasn't going to be much drama at the position. However, Teddy Bridgewater's abrupt retirement midway through camp forced the Lions to pivot. While undrafted rookie Luke Altmyer has been with the team all offseason, suddenly thrusting a 23-year-old into the backup position wasn't something the Lions were willing to do unopposed. So they quickly added nine-year veteran Josh Dobbs to the room. But thus far in camp, Altmyer has continued to get the bulk of the backup reps. On Thursday, Lions coach Dan Campbell asked what he needs to see from Altmyer to have the confidence that he can handle such a critical role. "Consistency. Just play good smart football," Campbell said. "We don't need some wild throws, whatever. Be able to run the offense, be efficient, make smart decisions, even if that means that you're punting the ball."
Meeks, an undrafted free agent out of Syracuse, made our list of players to watch heading into Saturday’s contest. He has an excellent opportunity, though it comes at the expense of a teammate. Sam LaPorta is dealing with a hip injury, and Campbell was noncommittal about his Week 1 status. Brock Wright and Tyler Conklin might be enough to hold down the fort, but could the Lions consider rolling into the season with four tight ends rather than three? If so, the opportunity is there for Meeks, and he made the most of it Saturday. Meeks led the Lions in receptions (four) and yards (33). He got in on the action with an 11-yard reception in the second quarter, and he followed it up with a 10-yard gain two plays later. On a fourth-and-3 late in the game, Meeks worked back to QB Luke Altmyer on a scramble, made himself available and hauled in a 6-yard completion to keep the chains moving. It led to a Jake Bates field goal. On the ensuing kickoff, Meeks made arguably his best play of the day: a forced fumble on special teams, recovered by the Lions.
Unlock full player intel
Go beyond the surface with trusted beat-writer insight on every player.
