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Detroit Lions' backup quarterback competition is settled after preseason finale | Sporting News

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Saturday, August 23rd 2025 at 20:23 GMT by Sporting News
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Detroit Lions Set Backup Quarterback Hierarchy After Preseason Finale

J.J. McCarthy earns the role of primary backup to Jared Goff, while Nick Mullens heads to the practice squad, the Lions announced in the wake of a decisive preseason victory.

The Lions’ preseason finale on Saturday night – a 38‑20 win over the Tennessee Titans – proved to be a turning point for Detroit’s quarterback depth chart. With head coach Dan Campbell’s sideline crew rattling the ball and the crowd chanting “Back Up!” the club confirmed that the long‑running backup quarterback competition has been settled: J.J. McCarthy will be the Lions’ first‑string backup for the 2024 campaign, and Nick Mullens will move to the practice squad.

A Game‑Changing Finale

Detroit’s 38‑20 triumph was the Lions’ second‑straight win in the preseason, and it showcased the team’s offensive versatility under a new coaching regime. Starting quarterback Jared Goff, who had missed most of the first half of the preseason due to a hamstring injury, returned in the fourth quarter and finished the game with 14 completions on 19 attempts for 174 yards, one touchdown, and no interceptions. Goff’s return was a welcome sight for the Lions faithful, who have been anxious to see him return to the field after a rocky first two seasons.

In the half‑time interval, the Lions gave the backup quarterbacks a taste of real‑time competition. J.J. McCarthy, a 2021 sixth‑round pick who has spent the last two seasons largely on the sidelines, entered the game in the second quarter and was tasked with a limited, but crucial, role on short‑range drives. McCarthy finished with 4 completions on 5 attempts for 32 yards and a 3‑yard touchdown pass to tight end T.J. Harris. The rookie quarterback’s efficiency and composure in the pocket were highlighted by the coaching staff.

Nick Mullens, a former first‑round selection in 2020 who was traded to Detroit during the 2022 offseason, saw fewer opportunities. He finished the game with 3 completions on 7 attempts for 12 yards and a single interception. Mullens’ short pass from the pocket was intercepted by Titans safety Michael Davis in the fourth quarter, a play that left him and the coaching staff with a tough decision to make.

In addition to McCarthy and Mullens, the Lions had a third quarterback on the roster: rookie T.T. Jones, a sixth‑round pick from the University of South Carolina. Jones was listed on the Lions’ depth chart in the preseason but was used sparingly in the finale, completing 1 of 2 attempts for 4 yards. While Jones’ performance was limited, the coaching staff has praised his work ethic and potential as a developmental prospect.

“The Decision Was Clear”

In a brief statement released immediately after the game, Lions GM Mike Smith said, “We’ve had a very healthy competition among the quarterbacks in training camp and during the preseason. J.J. is the best option as the primary backup to Jared right now. We’re confident that he will provide stability for the offense, and we’re excited to continue building around him.”

The statement was echoed by head coach Dan Campbell, who remarked, “We’ve seen the guys in action in a game situation, and it was very clear who’s the right fit behind Jared. We want to give a solid foundation for the offense, and J.J. has earned that spot.” Campbell also added that the Lions will keep Mullens on the practice squad, where he can continue to develop and be ready if the team needs an additional depth option.

The Lions’ decision was not made in isolation. Over the past two seasons, the Lions have struggled with offensive inconsistency, particularly at the quarterback position. Goff’s performance has been hampered by injuries and a lack of cohesion with the offensive line, while the backup options have been a source of uncertainty. With J.J. McCarthy now confirmed as the primary backup, the Lions hope to provide a clear path for offensive continuity should Goff miss time again.

Roster Implications

The announcement came at a critical juncture in the Lions’ roster construction. The team is still in the process of making cuts and finalizing the 53‑man roster for the 2024 season. By solidifying McCarthy as the primary backup, the Lions will now have one more roster spot available to target other positions of need, such as wide receiver or defensive lineman.

Mullens’ placement on the practice squad will also free up a spot for the Lions to sign a third quarterback or a developmental player at a different position. The coaching staff has hinted at the possibility of bringing in a veteran quarterback for depth during the off‑season, but that remains uncertain.

Looking Ahead

With the backup quarterback competition settled, the Lions will shift focus to the rest of the roster as the preseason wraps up. The coaching staff will evaluate defensive backs, offensive linemen, and skill position players over the next two weeks before the final roster cuts on September 1.

Jared Goff, who will return to the field next week in the season opener against the Minnesota Vikings, will be expected to carry the offense forward. The Lions have already made a significant change on the offensive line, adding free‑agent tackle J.T. Miller in the off‑season, which should help protect Goff and give the Lions a better chance to develop a more balanced attack.

The Lions’ fan base is hopeful that with the stability behind the center, Detroit will finish the regular season with a stronger offensive showing. Whether that will translate to a playoff berth remains to be seen, but the organization’s commitment to building a cohesive offense begins with a clear and confident backup quarterback plan.

Key Takeaways

• Backup Hierarchy Set: J.J. McCarthy will serve as the Lions’ primary backup to Jared Goff, while Nick Mullens will be moved to the practice squad.
• Preseason Finale Performance: McCarthy completed 4/5 for 32 yards and a touchdown; Mullens finished 3/7 for 12 yards and an interception.
• Roster Moves: The decision frees up a roster spot for the Lions to target other positions and potentially sign a third quarterback in the off‑season.
• Looking Ahead: With a more stable depth chart, the Lions aim to improve offensive consistency and pursue a playoff push in 2024.