Detroit Lions QB Tim Boyle, who hasn’t played since breaking his right thumb in the preseason, likely will start vs. the Browns if Goff is out.
Jared Goff’s strained oblique was sorer than expected after last week’s tie with the Pittsburgh Steelers, and the Detroit Lions quarterback admitted Wednesday the injury could keep him out of Sunday’s game with the Cleveland Browns. « It has gotten better since the game, » Goff said. « Will it be better by Sunday? I don’t know. We’ll see. Hopeful. » Goff did not practice Wednesday and is day-to-day with an injury Lions coach Dan Campbell said impacts his throwing motion. Tim Boyle took first-team reps in practice and likely will start Sunday if Goff cannot go. Goff was hurt late in the first quarter against the Steelers, when he underthrew Kalif Raymond on a deep pass one play after Julian Okwara’s interception. Goff stayed in the game despite the injury, but finished with his worst statistical outing of the season. He had minus-1 yard passing in the first quarter, was 11 of 20 for 54 yards in regulation and finished the game 14 of 25 for 114 yards. MAILBAG: How long before they’re a legitimate contender in NFC North? BIRKETT’S POWER RANKINGS: Taking stock of top playoff contenders in NFC, AFC He said he will play this week only if « there’d be no limitations » to the Lions gameplan with him on the field. « I think last week, I don’t know if the gameplan was adjusted based on the weather or based on my injury.
