NFL teams
Eric Woodyard, ESPN 2y

Detroit Lions' Jared Goff (oblique) doesn't practice again, listed as doubtful

NFL, Detroit Lions

Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (oblique) missed his third straight practice ahead of Sunday's road game against the Cleveland Browns.

Goff, whose status is doubtful, didn't participate again on Friday, with backup signal-caller Tim Boyle taking first-team reps throughout the week.

Boyle is now in line to take over the starting role if Goff can't suit up.

"Opportunities, especially in the NFL, come very few times, unfortunately, but that's the beauty of the NFL. It's so competitive," Boyle said. "It's been a long journey, just kind of reminiscing on my story of starting football when I was 6 years old, and here I am as a 27-year-old still blessed to have this opportunity, it really is. It's about preparation and always staying ready. I'll be ready to go."

Boyle has never started an NFL game. He had been on the injured reserve list since suffering a broken thumb in the Lions' preseason finale, but he was activated later Friday.

"Let me say this about Tim Boyle, he lacks zero confidence, I can tell you that," Lions coach Dan Campbell ahead of Friday's practice. "He's got plenty of confidence, and so that's a good thing, but I can also -- you know what I mean? So, we'll see where this game goes. If he's our guy and see where the weather takes us, see where he takes us, but I know this, we have to be smart with him and let him work into a rhythm."

Goff suffered the oblique injury during Detroit's 16-16 overtime tie with the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field on Sunday. He completed 14 of 25 passes for 114 yards with the injury nagging him throughout the game.

Throughout the week, Goff said he would "do everything I can" to help Boyle get ready if he needed to start.

"I think he's going to get his reps throughout the week, but the little things that maybe I've picked up along the way from having as much playing experience as I do to lend to him would be the best thing I can do," Goff said on Wednesday.

Boyle said he is thankful for the advice he has received from Goff throughout the week, with the biggest thing being to just remain himself throughout any role.

"Just do what got me here, but he's kind of given me his insight on what he's done in the past -- preparation, certain plays," Boyle said of Goff. "Stuff that even from this year that he's seen just from a timing standpoint. Just little tidbits that he's given me has been extremely helpful, and he's been awesome this week, so I'm grateful for him."

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