Coach Dan Campbell is planning to bench a massive chunk of his roster for Preseason Game 1 against the Cincinnati Bengals, with somewhere between 25 to 28 players from the 90-man roster set to sit this one out. Campbell made it clear earlier this week, telling reporters, “I really don’t see playing a lot of our guys,” and that includes quarterback Jared Goff, who he explicitly said, “I don’t see Goff playing.” This isn’t just a few guys; this is a huge chunk of the squad, giving us a major look at the battles heating up further down the depth chart.
Rookie Altmyer Gets the Keys
With Goff on the sidelines, it is rookie quarterback Luke Altmyer who will be taking the first snaps. Campbell stated Altmyer is set to “take a heavy load” in this game, which is a massive opportunity for the young guy to show what he’s got. Josh Dobbs, the other quarterback on the chart, just recently joined the team, so he is still “learning our terminology.” This preseason opener is going to be Altmyer’s show, plain and simple, and it’s a huge test for him right out of the gate.
Position Battles and Injury Updates
The running back room is already getting hit hard with injuries, with Isiah Pacheco dealing with an MCL strain and Sione Vaki out with a broken nose and eye injury. Jabari Small also has an undisclosed injury. Campbell mentioned that Jacob Saylors and Small are “jockeying with each other” for position, with one guy being “a little bit ahead” one day, and the other leading the next. He emphasized that special teams play will be “big for both of those players,” calling it a “great opportunity” for them to stand out.
Over in the wide receiver corps, it’s an “all-out battle” beyond the top four guys. Campbell did not hold back, calling it “the best receiver room we’ve had since I’ve been here in camp, top to bottom. I mean, those guys are gifted.” That’s high praise! With Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, Isaac TeSlaa, and Greg Dortch likely to play limited snaps, expect a fierce competition among guys like Dominic Lovett, Cedrick Wilson, Tay Martin, Tom Kennedy, Malik Cunningham, Lucky Jackson, and Tarik Black. Unfortunately, rookie Kendrick Law is already on injured reserve, so he will not be part of the battle.
This Preseason Game 1 is shaping up to be a true proving ground for the guys fighting for a spot on the roster. With so many starters watching from the sidelines, every single snap carries weight. Which of these players are going to step up and make their case? We are about to find out.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pride of Detroit.
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