Dobbs makes his case to be Goff's backup by taking Lions on 3 TD drives in 25-16 win over Colts

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Josh Dobbs and Luke Altmyer went into the Detroit Lions’ preseason finale on what appeared to be a level playing field in the battle to back up Jared Goff.

Now coach Dan Campbell has a decision to make.

Dobbs, the veteran who signed with the Lions after Teddy Bridgewater retired earlier this month, made his strongest case yet Saturday by throwing two touchdown passes and taking Detroit on a late TD drive in a 25-16 victory over the Indianapolis Colts.

“I thought Dobbs really played well today,” Campbell said, refusing to tip his hand on who he would select as the No. 2 quarterback. “I thought he really showed out and I just love his composure and conviction. He knows what he wants and we scored.”

Incumbent starter Jared Goff did not throw a pass in Detroit’s three preseason games, allowing Dobbs and Altmyer to take center stage and essentially play to a draw through the first two preseason games.

But Dobbs closed the preseason with his most impressive performance.

BEARS 24, TITANS 15

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Tyson Bagent connected with Zavion Thomas for a 97-yard touchdown on Chicago’s first offensive play and the Bears wrapped up the preseason Saturday night with a win over Tennessee in a battle of mostly backups.

With Caleb Williams watching from the sideline, Bagent completed his first seven passes for 155 yards. He also tossed a 2-yard TD pass to Maurice Alexander in the second quarter, helping Chicago (2-1) convert its first four fourth downs.

Coach Robert Saleh had talked of building reps for his starters through the preseason games for his Titans (2-1). After a joint practice against each preseason opponent, all NFC playoff teams, Saleh started essentially backups with Cam Ward watching Will Levis start in a final display before the NFL cut deadline Sunday.

Bagent, undrafted out of Division II, showed again why the Bears signed him to a two-year extension in August 2025 to back up Williams. Bagent was 16 of 17 for 208 yards with two TDs before leaving with a 14-9 halftime lead.