The Detroit Lions face a quick turnaround after Sunday’s 13-10 loss to the Cleveland Browns. Detroit hosts the Chicago Bears in the traditional early kickoff matchup on Thanksgiving Thursday.
That’s a tight timeline for injured starting quarterback Jared Goff, who was unable to play in Cleveland. Tim Boyle got his first career start in place of Goff and his ailing oblique muscle.
Head coach Dan Campbell was asked if Goff will be ready to get back into the lineup on Thursday.
“He was our starter before he got hurt. If he can go, he’s going,” Campbell said following the game.
Boyle completed 15 of his 23 pass attempts but managed just 77 net passing yards, throwing two interceptions as well. It was an unimpressive showing, to say the least. Campbell tried to show confidence in the backup after the game as well, while acknowledging that Goff will start if he is physically capable.
“We’ll see where Goff is at and then assess Tim (Boyle),” Campbell stated. “Here’s what I do know, if Tim does (play next week), he’s going to be better than he was today. And if he plays a third week, he’ll be better than he was the second week.”
The two Lions quarterbacks have combined to throw for just 131 yards in regulation in the last two games. Given that meager output, it’s difficult to have much faith in either option.
