Lions’ preseason plan for former Illinois QB Luke Altmyer

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - FEBRUARY 28: Luke Altmyer of the Illinois Fighting Illini throws a pass during the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 28, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) | Getty Images I think we all agreed that Luke Altmyer deserve

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What is the story about?

I think we all agreed that Luke Altmyer deserved some kind of chance in the NFL.

Looks like he’s going to get it.

Lions head coach Dan Campbell said former Illinois quarterback will take a majority of snaps in the Lions’ preseason opener on Thursday against the Bengals.

“Yeah, thought he did some really good things,” Campbell said of Altmyer’s performance in training camp so far. “He was put in some really tough positions for a young player that you absolutely have to be put in, you just do. You’ve

got to be thrust in it and really you need to fail, you need to make mistakes so that you can grow.

Lions backup QB Teddy Bridgewater abruptly retired over the weekend, and they brought in Josh Dobbs as a veteran option, but this looks like a real chance for Altmyer to earn a spot on the Lions’ roster (or at least practice squad for the time being).

Altmyer told Detroit media that his mom, dad, two brothers and grandparents will be in Cincinnati to watch his NFL preseason debut on Thursday. TCR will be covering it all along the way.