Lions' Tim Boyle: Headed for second straight start
Boyle is expected to receive his second straight start Sunday against the Seahawks after head coach Dan Campbell acknowledged that Jared Goff (knee) is doubtful to be available to play, Justin Rogers of The Detroit News reports.
While Goff was on the reserve/COVID-19 list last week after testing positive for the virus, Boyle picked up his second start of the season and of his career. Boyle fared far better last week in the Lions' 20-16 loss to Atlanta than he did in his Detroit debut Week 11 in Cleveland, completing 24 of his first 33 attempts for 187 yards and a touchdown before throwing a game-ending interception at the goal line in the final minute. Though Goff was restored from the list Monday and was expected to take back the reins of the Detroit offense this week, he was unable to practice Wednesday through Friday while he remained troubled by the knee injury he suffered late in the first half of the Lions' Week 15 win over Arizona. Boyle was thus able to take all the first-team reps in practice to keep himself prepared for the assignment, but he may have to make do without his starting tight end (Brock Wright) and two starting receivers (Josh Reynolds and Kalif Raymond). All three pass catchers were placed on the COVID-19 list between Monday and Thursday and aren't guaranteed to be cleared prior to Sunday's game.
