Chemistry is an important part of every successful offense, and that chemistry begins during the offseason. Every single rep in practice helps build cohesion, timing, and communication. However, for as useful as live snaps are, starters are playing fewer and fewer preseason games.
Preseason games are often a team’s best way to get a taste of real football. Although internal practices can be heated and competitive, there is no substitute for playing against an unpredictable opponent. That also comes with an increased risk of injury, however. In practice, players may be more careful and selective in hitting their teammates. Against another team, the training wheels often come off. That means more hits and, in turn, more injuries, in theory.
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Because of the injury risk, the Detroit Lions have rested many of their starters during the preseason in recent seasons. Out of all of the players that have been bubble-wrapped, the health of quarterback Jared Goff has been prioritized the most. Goff has not played a preseason game since 2022, and even then, it was a single drive during the opening game. It makes sense too—as an injury to your starting quarterback in a meaningless game could derail the season before it even started.
However, 2026 looks like a turning point for the Lions. Last season was the first year in which they regressed in terms of record. It was a year in which the team looked and played complacent. Now, things look different. Multiple key veterans departed this offseason, such as Taylor Decker, David Montgomery, and Alex Anzalone. The team went with a no-nonsense schedule release video. The team stopped doing joint practices for the first time since 2022. If there was a year to change their mentality about preseason games, this could be it. The Lions might need to get every ounce of chemistry they can out of preseason—and that might even include Jared Goff.
Today’s Question of the Day is:
Should Jared Goff play in a preseason game?
My answer: No.
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I simply do not see the merit in playing and risking Goff. Even though I understand trying to establish chemistry, you also have to remember his position. Who is Goff establishing chemistry with? The obvious names are his receivers, but do we really need to see Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams in preseason? It would be nice to see Goff throw to Isaac TeSlaa and Greg Dortch, but that does not really represent what the actual starting lineup will look like come September. As for running back, I expect Isiah Pacheco to get a few looks, but Jahmyr Gibbs is expected to be the workhorse and is unlikely to waste his tread in preseason.
In order to get the most mileage out of preseason, it would mean having to start not only Goff, but also the skill position players as well. There is no point playing Goff without the rest of the starters. For as much as the Lions have tried to emphasize 2026 being a miniature reset, I would be surprised to see such a risk.
The only starters on offense that should play are the offensive linemen. Not only is chemistry between those five players integral to the success of the offense, but they have also undergone a serious rework this offseason. Penei Sewell has not played a preseason game since 2022, but with his move to left tackle and the additions of Blake Miller and Cade Mays, I would support seeing all five starters for at least a drive. Communication between that unit was arguably the biggest reason for offensive struggles last season.
Could we see some starters play in preseason? Certainly. Should one of those starters be Jared Goff? I think (and hope) not.
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