“No, I don’t see Goff playing. Even if we didn’t have a quarterback, Goff’s not playing. We’ll just roll out… I don’t know, give me a name. You know what? We’ll put Tom Kennedy at quarterback,” Campbell said.

“We’ll do that in a heartbeat. He’ll run the whole show for the game. But no, so I don’t see Goff playing. Certainly (Luke) Altmyer is going to take a heavy load and then anybody else we get, we’ll get them up to speed as fast as we can and give them some reps.”

It’s clear that Goff is one of the team’s biggest stars, and he has proven it since joining Detroit in 2021. Preserving his health is key for Campbell to keep him fresh throughout what promises to be a tough NFL season.

New faces in the Lions’ QB room

The Detroit Lions acted swiftly to secure veteran stability in their quarterback room ahead of the new season. They signed Josh Dobbs after Teddy Bridgewater’s retirement, bringing in the experienced 31-year-old journeyman on a one-year deal to serve as the primary backup behind starter Jared Goff.

Known as the “Passtronaut” for his degree in aerospace engineering and his ability to quickly learn complex playbooks, Dobbs provides Detroit with a reliable, intelligent presence under center to keep the offense on track if called upon.

Who will start against Cincinnati?

While there has yet to be any official confirmation from Dan Campbell, the head coach is expected to give both recently acquired Joshua Dobbs and Luke Altmyer a chance to see action throughout the game against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Upcoming preseason games for Detroit

• at Cincinnati Bengals, Week 1 – August 13
• vs Washington Commanders, Week 2 – August 22
• at Indianapolis Colts, Week 3 – August 29

As reported by Jordan Schultz, the Giants will host Arnold for a visit on Wednesday. The former first-round selection in the 2024 NFL Draft will be at Big Blue’s facilities in East Rutherford, where the G-Men recently resumed training camp after a two-week stay in West Virginia.

Accused of robbery and kidnapping, Arnold turned himself in to authorities on June 24 before being released from custody after posting bond. Detroit released its former first-rounder shortly after. It remains to be seen whether Arnold will be allowed to play in the 2026 NFL season, but the Giants are still doing their due diligence. They are far from alone, though.

Other teams in on Arnold

In addition to the Giants, Schultz’s report indicates that the cornerback has visited the New Orleans Saints, Houston Texans, and Seattle Seahawks. More visits and workouts may be to come as the 23-year-old defensive back out of the University of Alabama explores every option.

All the while, the federal investigation remains active as authorities look into Arnold’s case, in which he’s accused of “orchestrating the abduction and beating of three men whom prosecutors believe he wrongly suspected of having stolen from him,” via ESPN.

For the time being, Arnold has been ordered to remain in home confinement, with exceptions for travel to NFL games, practices, or league-related meetings, as well as legal proceedings. Thus, for the time being, Arnold faces no restrictions as he travels across the U.S. to attend team visits and searches for his next club.

Arnold’s stats

Through his first two years in the NFL, Arnold has played in 24 games, recording one interception, 18 pass deflections, a fumble recovery, and 70 solo tackles. The Lions selected him with the 24th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft and signed him to a four-year, $14.3 million contract.

Per Adam Schefter of ESPN, head coach Dan Campbell confirmed the MCL sprain injury, but also expects Pacheco to be able to play in Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season. Still, Pacheco, who has a history of leg injuries, should be taking good care if he wants to be available.

Pacheco comes to replace David Montgomery. Both are more rustic, strong, go-for-contact backs. Meanwhile, Gibbs is more an agile, explosive, high-octane runner with homerun ability.

Pacheco’s injury history

A seventh-rounder who overcame the odds and won a Super Bowl being an intrinsical part of the Chiefs roster saw how his career came, once again, to a halt due to very gruesome injuries. These are the injuries he’s suffered, mainly on the legs:

• Fractured Fibula (2024): Missed 10 games after breaking a bone in his lower leg early in the 2024 season, though he returned in time for the team’s playoff stretch.
• MCL Sprain (2025): Missed four games during his final year with the Kansas City Chiefs due to a right knee sprain.
• MCL Sprain (2026): Suffered a minor knee injury in August 2026 training camp with the Lions, missing practices but tracking to play in the opener.

Pacheco needs a bounce back year

In his first two seasons, Pacheco ran for 830 and 935 yards respectively. However, then injuries came to plague him. In 2024, Pacheco only played eight games and ran for 310 yards. Then, last season he ran for 462. Hence, his decline has been steep.

At 27-years-old, there is still chance for Pacheco to recover and be a valuable piece. However, being on the Lions with Gibbs on the depth chart, his shot at being RB1 rely on his health and Gibbs‘. If Gibbs isn’t injured, he won’t be RB1 anytime soon.

Per Campbell, who spoke on the Lions’ press conference, Jahmyr Gibbs has “only scratched the surface” on what he can do, and they’re prepared to “push him” this season.

That statement, paired to the fact that the Lions let David Montgomery go, and Gibbs is up there as one of the highest-paid running backs in the NFL, makes the Lions intentions clear as day. Gibbs will be the workhorse of this offense.

Jahmyr Gibbs was stellar in 2025

Gibbs was an incredible player in the 2025 NFL season. In 2025, Gibbs had 1839 scrimmage yards and 18 total touchdowns. He was a Pro Bowler and one of the most unstoppable forces in the league.

And that was sharing snaps with Montgomery. Yes, Gibbs was the most prominent back on the roster, but Montgomery was still stealing snaps out of him. Now, he is all alone in the Lions’ backfield.

Gibbs is a very complete running back

Not only does Gibbs have a very complete skill set, but he is excels at every single area. Gibbs has agility, blazing long speed and incredible release. He is a weapon in the passing game as well, and has huge jukes and spins to go around the NFL defenders.

According to Mike Garafolo of NFL Network, Josh Dobbs inked a one-year, $1.425 million deal with $475 thousand fully guaranteed. That is a strong commitment. Still, it’s less than what Bridgewater made. He was one of the potential replacements for the Lions as Bridgewater retired.

The now-retired QB had inked a one-year, $1.8 million contract with the Detroit Lions in March 2026, which included $1.59 million guaranteed. However, Bridgewater was a more well-regarded QB than the ‘Passtronaut‘.

Josh Dobbs’ profile

Standing at 6’3″ and 220 lbs, Dobbs is a 31-year-old quarterback who has been regarded as a valuable backup in the NFL. Dobbs, whose ‘Passtronaut‘ nickname comes from his degree as an Aerospace Engineer, has played for the Steelers, Titans, Cardinals, Vikings, 49ers, and Patriots.

Dobbs has 3,346 passing yards for 17 touchdowns and 15 interceptions on 62.8 completion percentage and a 78.3 passer rating. Where Dobbs enjoyed his best football was in 2023, where he started 12 games for Arizona and Minnesota.

Dobbs is likely not seeing the field much though

The Detroit Lions have a solid QB1 in Jared Goff, who is a borderline top 10 quarterback in the NFL. Hence, unless he is injured, the likelihood of Dobbs taking the field is very dim.

Still, as a veteran, Dobbs is a very serviceable and smart quarterback. So, if he indeed needs to be under center, he will surely know the playbook at a good rate. Dobbs have been around a long time in this league.

ESPN insider Adam Schefter reported through his X account that Bridgewater was officially placed on the reserve/retired list. From now on, the Lions will have to move quickly to find his replacement.

Without Bridgewater and with Goff as the starting quarterback, Luke Altmyer currently sits atop the depth chart after joining the team as an undrafted free agent out of Illinois. Still, it is unlikely that the rookie will emerge as the primary backup.

Several intriguing players who could fill the position are still unsigned, and some of them could potentially fill the vacant spot. Detroit does not have much time before the start of the NFL season, so they will need to act quickly.

Potential candidates to replace Bridgewater

Experienced signal-callers such as Jimmy Garoppolo and Joshua Dobbs top the list of potential targets capable of managing the offense on short notice. Other viable options include veteran C.J. Beathard, who offers existing familiarity with the Lions’ system, alongside free agents like John Wolford and Brett Rypien to provide steady depth and leadership in the backup role.

Bridgewater’s time in Detroit

During his lone season with the Detroit Lions in 2023, Teddy Bridgewater served primarily as the primary backup to starting quarterback Jared Goff. Across 17 regular-season games, Bridgewater appeared in just one game, recording no passing attempts while logging two rushing carries for -2 yards in victory-formation kneel-downs.

Though his statistical line in Detroit was virtually nonexistent, his veteran presence and leadership in the QB room were widely credited with supporting Goff during the Lions’ historic run to the NFC Championship Game.

Per Adam Schefter of ESPN, Gibbs signed a three-year, $67.5 million deal that could go up to $75.75 million with $51.5 million guaranteed. This effectively makes him the highest-paid running back by new-money average per year:

1. Jahmyr Gibbs – Detroit Lions – $22.5M
2. Bijan Robinson – Atlanta Falcons – $22.25M
3. Jonathan Taylor – Indianapolis Colts – $22M
4. Saquon Barkley – Philadelphia Eagles – $20.6M
5. Christian McCaffrey – San Francisco 49ers – $19M
6. Devon Achane – Miami Dolphins – $16M
7. Derrick Henry – Baltimore Ravens – $15M
8. Breece Hall – New York Jets – $14.5M

Gibbs’ deal fell short in one aspect

Despite being paid more than anyone on a per-year-average, Jeremiyah Love still leads all RBs in guaranteed money at $53 million. That just speaks as to how massive Love’s contract is after getting drafted third overall.

However, Love is behind on a new-year average. Love will earn around $13.25 million per year, which ranks 10th in the NFL. However, all his money is guaranteed, and that’s what sets his contract apart.

The RB market got reset heavily this NFL offseason

Per Schefter, there was only one $20 million-per-year running back entering the offseason (Saquon Barkley). Now, with the deals of Gibbs, Taylor, and Robinson, the list went up to four in a matter of less than a week.

Players like James Cook (Bills) and Chase Brown (Bengals) could be in for huge deals as well. Cook is coming off a 1912 scrimmage-yard-season where he led the NFL in rushing yards (1,621) and also had 14 touchdowns. Chase Brown has surpassed the 1350 scrimmage-yard mark in both 2024 and 2025 scoring 11 touchdowns in each season.

Gibbs and the Lions are scheduled to enter contract talks soon, as Gibbs will play in his fourth NFL season this year. Hence, the Lions could do the same as the Falcons with Bijan Robinson, and extend his deal rather than let it expire.

However, Gibbs knows his payday will be huge, and that might go specifically into the guaranteed money of the contract. Right now, Jeremiyah Love has $53 million guaranteed in his deal thanks to the Cardinals drafting him third overall. Gibbs could seek a deal that roams around the $55 million guaranteed.

RBs ranking according to guaranteed money

Gibbs remains on his original rookie contract, which carries $17,845,130 in total guarantees. However, league reports indicate the Detroit Lions are actively working on a massive contract extension for Gibbs that is expected to surpass Robinson’s historic deal before the 2026 season kicks off.

The top 5 has a bad trend

Out of the top five running backs with the most guaranteed money in their contracts, there is a negative trend that might explain why this is one of the most interchangeable positions in football. Excluding Saquon Barkley, all the other four RBs are on losing teams.

Love is a rookie, but he is on the Cardinals who were 3-14 last season. The Falcons were 8-9, the Raiders ended last season with a 3-14 record, and the Jets had a 3-14 record too. Add that to the fact that Gibbs and the Lions were 9-8 but dead last in the NFC North and the question should be if there is the need to give out these huge contracts.

“I think it certainly’s not going to hurt,” Campbell said during his press conference. “It’s not going to hurt, but we’ll see. I’m anxious to get Gibbs back out there.

“Every day that goes by, that’s another day that you feel like you miss with him and getting him out there with the guys and him doing his part. But, there again, it’ll get done when it gets done.”

Gibbs is still not practicing with the rest of his teammates at the Lions’ 2026 training camp as he waits for his situation to be resolved. Perhaps what happened with the Falcons will be the first step toward getting a deal done in the near future.

Robinson becomes the NFL’s highest-paid running back

The Atlanta Falcons and two-time Pro Bowl running back Bijan Robinson have agreed to a historic three-year contract extension worth up to $75 million, making him the highest-paid running back in NFL history. Finalized after intense recent negotiations led by agent Nicole Lynn and the Falcons’ front office, the record-setting deal includes $51 million in total guarantees, with $37 million fully guaranteed upon signing.

Gibbs seeks a contract extension

Entering the fourth year of his four-year, $17.84 million fully guaranteed rookie contract with the Detroit Lions, Jahmyr Gibbs is seeking a lucrative extension following back-to-back elite seasons. Aiming to secure a long-term deal that reflects his production as both a runner and receiver, Gibbs has staged a “hold-in” during training camp, remaining present with the team while opting out of practice as negotiations continue.

Though he has publicly downplayed any drama, his representation is pushing for a contract that aligns with the recently reset running back market, moving well beyond his current $4.46 million average annual salary.

Gibbs and Robinson are two of the NFL’s elite running backs

Both Bijan Robinson and Jahmyr Gibbs have earned their pay in the NFL thanks to the impressive numbers they have put up over the past few years. Here are their statistics over the last three seasons.

The Lions and Dan Campbell still believe they have one of the league’s most talented offenses, but returning to Super Bowl contention will require key playmakers to stay healthy.

One of the biggest names on that list is Sam LaPorta, who has become one of Jared Goff’s favorite targets. As training camp approaches, many Lions fans have been waiting for the latest update on the Pro Bowl tight end after his back injury.

Sam LaPorta injury update

The good news is that Sam LaPorta has been cleared for all activities ahead of training camp. According to NFL insider Jeremy Fowler, the Lions tight end has fully recovered from the herniated disc that required surgery last season and is expected to be available as the team begins preparations for the 2026 campaign.

“Lions Pro Bowl TE Sam LaPorta (herniated disc) was fully cleared earlier this month, per source, setting him up for training camp. Detroit will determine level of involvement, but Tim Twentyman noted he’s expected to be full go. Surgery repaired the issue last year.”

LaPorta’s return is one of the most important developments of the offseason for Detroit. Since entering the NFL, he has established himself as one of the league’s most productive tight ends and a reliable weapon. With a healthy LaPorta, Jared Goff regains one of his most dependable receiving options over the middle of the field.

Although the Lions will still monitor his workload during training camp, all indications are that LaPorta will be ready for Week 1. If the Lions hope to return to the playoffs after missing out in 2025, having their Pro Bowl tight end at full strength will be a major step in the right direction.

“A lot of guys have done really well for two days in pajamas,” Campbell said to the press during de Organized Team Activities. “I’m done with the hype of a pajama party in May. . . . We’ll find out in training camp who’s who. This will be the most competition we’ve had. Top-tier competition. This will be good, across the board.”

The head coach also added: “Nobody’s gonna win a job in the spring. I’m not hyping anybody up. Not in May.”

The new faces in Detroit

The Detroit Lions enter the 2026 NFL season with a heavily re-engineered roster, highlighted by first-round draft pick Blake Miller, a highly reliable tackle out of Clemson who is immediately throwing himself into the fire by competing for a starting spot right alongside the veterans. Alongside him, key offseason acquisitions like running back Isiah Pacheco, center Cade Mays, and defensive additions like Roger McCreary and D.J. Wonnum have completely transformed the depth chart.

To earn their place in the lineup, Campbell’s philosophy remains unyielding: pedigree means absolutely nothing if it isn’t backed up by intense, mistake-free execution. Following the Lions’ unique approach of skipping a traditional rookie minicamp to throw everyone directly into full team workouts, Campbell expects these new faces to adapt instantly, pick up the complex schematics with zero grey area, and prove they possess the gritty, high-effort mentality required to fight for a spot in Detroit’s cultural foundation.

Campbell decided to skip rookie minicamp

While rookie minicamp can be a valuable opportunity to get a closer look at new faces, Campbell admitted that he feels it is largely more of the same. As a result, the Lions were the only team to opt out of holding those sessions.

“It’s the same way every year, they train for the Combine or for all of those drills, they don’t train for football,” Campbell said via prideofdetroit.com. “So, we just got our hands on them for, I guess, going on week three, something like that. So, we just want to be smart with these guys, make sure they’re ready to get on the field to do–even though it’s not a lot to be able to do that, we don’t want any setback.”

The first challenges for the Lions

The Detroit Lions are kicking off their 2026 campaign with a pretty wild mix of home energy and heavy road tests. They start things off at Ford Field hosting the New Orleans Saints, giving Dan Campbell an immediate reunion against his former squad.

After that, they face a quick turnaround for a massive Thursday Night Football showdown on the road against the Buffalo Bills, followed by a return home to face the New York Jets. They wrap up this opening five-game stretch back on the road with consecutive away matchups, first hitting primetime on Sunday Night Football against the Carolina Panthers before flying out west to battle the Arizona Cardinals.