- Joined
- May 8, 2002
- Posts
- 1,257,134
- Reaction score
- 59
You must be registered for see images
Detroit Lions quarterback Luke Altmyer (2) practices during mini camp at Meijer Performance Center in Allen Park on Wednesday, June 17, 2026. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co
For the past two Detroit Lions training camp practices, veteran backup quarterback Teddy Bridgewater has been sidelined. At this point, we don’t have any clarity on why Bridgewater has been absent, but it’s been a great opportunity for undrafted rookie quarterback Luke Altmyer to get a ton of reps—including some key situational work. During Friday’s scrimmage-like practice, Altmyer even got to run the second-team offense against the first-team defense several times—a phenomenal opportunity to get reps against the best defensive players the Lions have to offer.
It’s been a pretty impressive camp for Altmyer. Nothing seems too big for him; his accuracy and arm strength have been more than acceptable, and practice hasn’t slowed down at all with Bridgewater absent. While Friday’s scrimmage wasn’t Altmyer’s best day, it was undoubtedly his biggest learning experience, and one he’ll be better off for down the line.
Going into training camp, I didn’t think there was much question that Altmyer would be heading for the practice squad this year to continue his development. But I’m starting to wonder if I should reconsider that position.
Today’s Question of the Day is:
What should the Lions do with Luke Altmyer?
My answer: Let me be clear: I am not suggesting Altmyer should be this team’s Week 1 backup quarterback. While I’ve been impressed with Altmyer, being one Jared Goff injury away from starting an undrafted rookie is just not a good idea for a team with Super Bowl aspirations. Admittedly, Bridgewater hasn’t been overly impressive in camp, but he’s undoubtedly got a better handle on the offense and will avoid all the mental errors that Detroit would risk by unfairly putting Altmyer out there.
But I am starting to consider the possibility of keeping three quarterbacks on the roster. Altmyer has been impressive enough for me to believe that a long-term backup quarterback role could be in his future, and Detroit may not want to risk losing a developmental player like that to waivers. I may make that move in next week’s Bubble Watch.
However, before I completely fall in line with that thinking, the preseason will be critical for Altmyer. If he can continue the path he’s currently on, he may not give the Lions much of a choice—especially with all of his film out there for everyone to see. If he shows some of the rookie mistakes that are more than common, maybe the Lions can get by waiving him and signing him to the practice squad.
Point being: Altmyer is already making this an interesting conversation.
I know most of you haven’t seen Altmyer play yet, but what are your thoughts? Would you be okay if the Lions kept three quarterbacks? Can Altmyer actually contend for the backup job? Or do the Lions simply need to invest more heavily in the backup job?
Share your thoughts by joining our community and commenting at the bottom of the page.
Join the conversation!
Sign up for a user account and get:
- Fewer ads
- Create community posts
- Comment on articles, community posts
- Rec comments, community posts
- New, improved notifications system!
Continue reading...
