Overview
- Coach Dan Campbell announced Sunday that backup quarterback Teddy Bridgewater would “step away,” and the Lions placed him on the NFL reserve/retired list.
- Bridgewater confirmed the move on social media, saying long‑term damage from a 2016 knee injury and family priorities led him to retire.
- Detroit briefly elevated undrafted rookie Luke Altmyer on the depth chart, worked out several veteran options, and then signed Josh Dobbs to a reported one‑year deal worth $1.425 million with $475,000 guaranteed.
- The transaction came with the preseason opener days away and follows other camp setbacks, including center Cade Mays’ wrist injury, increasing urgency to shore up experience behind starter Jared Goff.
- Bridgewater ends an 11‑season NFL career marked by a severe 2016 knee injury and prior retirements and returns, and his decision shifts short‑term roster planning while preserving his health and family time.