Which Lions QB is the favorite for the backup job heading into the preseason finale?

Posted by Admin August 26, 2026 NFL

Throughout the offseason, SB Nation will host NFL fan surveys, sponsored by FanDuel Sportsbook. For Pride of Detroit, we are tasked with fielding questions from Detroit Lions fans, and this week’s question focuses on which reserve quarterback is the favorite to win the QB2 job heading into this Saturday’s preseason finale against the Indianapolis Colts.

When Teddy Bridgewater surprisingly retired, the Lions found themselves with an unexpected reserve quarterback competition. Undrafted rookie Luke Altmyer has been with the team since the spring and has done well learning the playbook and meeting expectations, but the coaching staff wanted competition to push him and signed veteran Josh Dobbs.

The Lions coaching staff typically prefers a veteran in the QB2 role, and most expected Dobbs to adapt quickly to the Lions’ scheme because of his familiarity with the Lions and offensive coordinator Drew Petzing’s scheme, but it’s been a slow process.

Over the last three weeks, Altmyer has consistently been the second-team quarterback during practices and started the first preseason game, playing three-quarters of the game. Dobbs got the start in preseason Game 2, and while he and Altmyer split reps almost evenly, neither did much to separate themselves in the battle.

Now, entering the final week of practices, Altmyer continues to rep with the second team, but coaches insist it’s still an open competition that could go either way.

So, in your opinion, which quarterback enters Saturday as the favorite when the Lions take on the Colts? Vote in THE FEED survey below, sound off in the comments, and then make sure to check back with Pride of Detroit later in the week for the results.