As we head into the final week of the preseason, how likely are we to see Jared Goff play in the Detroit Lions‘ third preseason contest? With the Lions taking on the Carolina Panthers on Friday night, here’s all we know about the chances of Goff appearing.
Will Jared Goff Play in Third Preseason Game?
Goff has not played at all this preseason, and there is no indication that the Lions’ decision-makers will change that in the final preseason game of the season. Some teams have opted to give their starters work like Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid with QB Patrick Mahomes, while other teams like Dan Campbell here in Detroit are opting for the safer route.
How To Watch Detroit Lions at Carolina Panthers
Start time: 8 p.m. ET
Channel: CBS & Paramount+
Who Will Play Instead of Jared Goff?
The Lions have four total quarterbacks on the roster, with Friday night action looking to be manned by half of them with eyes toward staying healthy and successfully completing the preseason slate for the team.
With Goff not playing and rookie Hendon Hooker still not quite ready, the two quarterbacks that will task the Lions with taking them home and putting a cap on the preseason will be two NFL veterans in Teddy Bridgewater and Nate Sudfeld.
First up presumably will be Bridgewater, who looks to have solidified the QB2 role in Detroit. Since that may be the case, his action may be limited as a result as well. No one knows for sure at this time, but if the feeling around Bridgewater is one of comfortability, we very well may only see him play at most just the first quarter of this final game.
If that ends up being the case, Lions fans should be prepared for a heavy dose of Sudfeld to finish off the preseason action. Sudfeld is heading into his eighth season in the NFL after being drafted in the sixth round of the 2016 draft by the Washington Commanders.
MORE: Detroit Lions 2023 NFL Schedule
Sudfeld did not see any regular-season action in Washington, but he did as a member of the Philadelphia Eagles, where he had spent the last five seasons before joining Detroit last season.
Sudfeld may have a roster spot at the moment, but much could change when the highly talented but injured Hooker is ready to go. That makes tonight’s final audition a big one for Sudfeld to continue his NFL career, possibly elsewhere.
