The Lions are still looking for their first win of 2021, and they'll be counting on a new quarterback to deliver it for at least their next two games. Battling an oblique injury that sidelined him from practice all week, Jared Goff will miss Sunday's game against the Browns and is also expected to sit out Week 12's Thanksgiving Day showdown with the Bears. That's according to NFL Media's Ian Rapoport, who said Sunday the former Rams signal-caller already faces an "uphill battle" to return for Thursday's NFC North matchup, leaving backup Tim Boyle as the Lions' emergency QB1.
Acquired from Los Angeles this offseason in the Matthew Stafford trade, Goff had already potentially been on the verge of surrendering starting duties. Despite a decent start under Dan Campbell, he's increasingly struggled as the club's No. 1 during the Lions' 0-8-1 run. It's possible he could be forced to compete for his old job upon return from injury.
Boyle, on the other hand, will be making his first career NFL start Sunday against Cleveland. The 27-year-old former undrafted QB spent the first three seasons of his career with the Packers, serving as Aaron Rodgers' backup in Green Bay. Signed to a one-year deal this offseason, Boyle landed on injured reserve in September but returned to the active roster this week.