Lions QB Tim Boyle designated for return from IR

The Lions designated Tim Boyle for return (Twitter link via NFL.com’s Tom Pelissero). This will kick off a three-week practice window for the quarterback. If he’s not activated inside of the next 21 days, he’ll be ineligible to return this season. 

Boyle has yet to dress for a game this year thanks to thumb surgery in late August. Without Boyle, the Lions have used David Blough as their QB2 behind Jared Goff.

The Lions are still winless, and Goff has struggled mightily, so Boyle or Blough could see some action in the second half. To date, Goff has just eight touchdown passes on the year against six interceptions.

Boyle, 27, has 11 career appearances, all with the Packers in 2019 and 2020. He’s thrown a grand total of four passes, but the Lions could be willing to give him a shot.

After the bye, the Lions will shoot for win No. 1 against the Steelers in Pittsburgh.