Dan Campbell: Lions Could Seek Backup QB; Mason Rudolph Potential Fit?

PITTSBURGH — Tim Boyle will start at quarterback for the Detroit Lions in the team’s preseason finale against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium, Lions head coach Dan Campbell announced on Thursday, but that doesn’t mean he’s a lock to be the team’s backup quarterback and Detroit could be looking for outside help.

Jared Goff will be the Lions’ starter this season, but will not play on Sunday. Neither Boyle nor fellow backup David Blough have impressed this offseason, and the Lions have been rumored to be in the market for a better backup quarterback.

“I think what we need is someone to really take the reins here; someone to really step up out of the two,” Campbell said. “I thought they both progressed last week. Now somebody needs to step up and run this offense, play efficient, play smart, take care of the football, get us first downs and when we get down into the red zone, score touchdowns for us.”

But if that doesn’t happen against the Steelers on Sunday afternoon, Campbell acknowledged that he could look elsewhere for help at the No. 2 quarterback spot.

“There’s always a possibility,” Campbell said. “That goes with any position. We’re still No. 2 on the claim list. At the end of this, there’s nothing to say that just because someone has made our roster, that they’re staying that way. Those guys know that.”

The players that could possibly be available to the Lions could include Steelers backup Mason Rudolph. Rudolph has been rumored to be a potential trade candidate, including specifically to the Lions. Steve Palazzolo of Pro Football Focus said to 93.7 The Fan on Thursday that he could see Rudolph being traded.

Our guy @PFF_Steve on @937theFan on Mason Rudolph trade reports: "I think that's happening. I could absolutely see Mason Rudolph finding a new home before the season starts. He's an upgrade over some other teams backups."

— Andrew Fillipponi (@ThePoniExpress) August 25, 2022

His performance against Detroit on Sunday could serve as a de facto tryout for the Lions or any other team that might be interested in him.

“Maybe so,” Rudolph said. “I can’t control that. I don’t try to speculate on that. I know that my teammates and my coaches are the opinions I care about.”

Asked about whether he would be more comfortable remaining in Pittsburgh as a backup if he does not win the starting job or seeking a new opportunity elsewhere on Thursday, Rudolph declined to give an answer.

“It’s too soon to say,” he said. “We’ll see. We’ve got another week. I’m going to keep doing my job each and every day. We’ll hit the field Sunday and compete.”