Jared Goff has not taken a preseason snap in nearly four years.
That streak could end this month.
With Drew Petzing installing a new offense and Detroit rebuilding parts of its offensive line, Goff said he is willing to play in the preseason if Dan Campbell believes the work would benefit the Lions.
“I think I need whatever Dan thinks I need. I will play if they want us to play,” Goff told SiriusXM NFL Radio. “We have a new coordinator, there’s certainly an argument for it. If he doesn’t want to put anyone out there, there’s certainly an argument for that, too. Whatever Dan wants to do, we will follow suit and see where it goes.”
The decision belongs to Campbell.
Goff sounds prepared for either answer.
Goff Sees the Argument for Preseason Reps
Detroit has mostly kept its established starters away from preseason action during recent summers.
Goff last appeared in an exhibition game on Aug. 12, 2022, when he played the opening possession against Atlanta. That season also marked the beginning of Ben Johnson’s run as Detroit’s offensive coordinator.
Four years later, Goff is working through another significant transition.
Petzing is the fourth offensive coordinator Goff has worked with since joining the Lions in 2021. Their partnership began during the offseason, with Goff describing Petzing as a strong listener who has included veteran players in shaping Detroit’s new system.
Practice repetitions can build familiarity. A live game creates different problems.
The pass rush is real. The quarterback cannot wear a red jersey. Communication must survive crowd noise, substitutions and an opponent that is not cooperating with the installation plan.
Even one or two series could give Goff, Petzing and Detroit’s reshuffled offensive line useful information before Week 1.
Campbell Must Balance Preparation and Risk
There is an obvious reason teams protect veteran quarterbacks in August.
One awkward hit can change an entire season.
Goff is entering his 11th NFL campaign after completing 68 percent of his passes for 4,564 yards, 34 touchdowns and eight interceptions in 2025. Detroit knows what he can do and does not need a lengthy preseason audition.
The question is whether a brief appearance could help the offense find its rhythm.
Detroit has made significant changes up front, including moving Penei Sewell to left tackle and integrating new pieces around him. Petzing is also blending concepts from Arizona with the plays and terminology Detroit’s veterans have run successfully in recent seasons.
That creates a stronger case for preseason work than Detroit has had in other years.
Campbell must decide whether the benefit of live repetitions outweighs the risk of exposing Goff and other core players to unnecessary contact.
Petzing’s Flexibility Has Goff’s Attention
Goff also offered a glimpse into how Detroit is building the offense under Petzing.
“I think we’re finding out right now kind of who we want to be and have a good idea, but you’re still kind of working through that,” Goff said. “Drew will do whatever fits. If we had six running backs, we’d put them all on the field if we thought they were all the best players.”
That flexibility could become one of Detroit’s defining traits.
Petzing has inherited an offense featuring Jahmyr Gibbs, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, Sam LaPorta and several complementary options with different skill sets. He has emphasized creating a system that fits the players rather than forcing them into rigid personnel rules.
“We have a really good problem with a lot of really good skill players, and want to be able to find a way to get them all the ball,” Goff said.
That challenge sounds pleasant in August.
Once the season begins, Petzing must turn it into a coherent identity.
Could Detroit Use More Heavy Personnel?
One possibility is an increased use of three-tight-end formations.
Heavy personnel could help Detroit restore its physical running identity while giving Goff different ways to attack defenses through play action. The formation does not necessarily mean the Lions will run the ball. It can force opponents into larger defensive packages, then create favorable matchups for LaPorta or another tight end in space.
Goff appears comfortable with any grouping that puts Detroit’s best players on the field.
That is the important part.
Petzing is not chasing variety for appearance’s sake. He is trying to find the combinations that make the Lions hardest to defend.
Preseason action could help him test those combinations against an unfamiliar defense.
Lions Open Preseason in Cincinnati
Detroit begins its three-game preseason schedule on Thursday, Aug. 13, against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium. The Lions then host Washington on Aug. 22 before closing at Indianapolis on Aug. 29.
Campbell has not announced whether Goff or Detroit’s other established starters will play against Cincinnati.
Goff has removed one obstacle from the conversation.
He is willing.
Bottom Line
Jared Goff is open to playing in the preseason if Dan Campbell believes Detroit’s offense needs the work.
There is a legitimate case for it. The Lions have a new coordinator, a changing offensive line and several personnel packages still being shaped during training camp.
There is also a legitimate case for keeping Goff protected until the regular season.
Campbell will make the call.
Goff’s message was simple: give him the assignment, and he will be ready.
