Still vying for their first win of the season, the Detroit Lions will go for win No. 1 with their QB2 under center.
As expected, Lions quarterback Jared Goff is inactive due to an oblique injury and backup Tim Boyle will get his first NFL start against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday
Goff entered the day with a doubtful designation due to an oblique strain he sustained in Detroit's Week 10 tie with the Steelers. Goff didn't practice all week, and Boyle hasn't played all year due to a broken thumb on his throwing hand that landed him on injured reserve.
Activated on Friday, Boyle is now set for his first career start and looking to lead the winless Lions (0-8-1) to their first victory of the year against the Browns (5-5).
Boyle signed with the Lions in the offseason after backing up Aaron Rodgers with the Packers. Over the past two years, Boyle saw action in 11 games for Green Bay.
Depending on how he fares and how Goff heals, Boyle's first start might not be his last as the Lions have a short week ahead with their annual Thanksgiving game on Thursday. Goff has an "uphill battle" to play next week against the Bears due to Detroit's quick turnaround, Rapoport added.
Goff has struggled much of the season and recently drawn doubts as to whether he should remain Detroit's starting QB regardless of injury. The former No. 1 overall pick has gone without a touchdown pass over the past two games and has just one TD toss over the last five contests. Should Boyle throw a touchdown pass Sunday, it would be the first for the Lions since Week 7 and the first of his career.
