Detroit Lions reserve QB Tim Boyle requires surgery on broken thumb

While the Detroit Lions work towards reducing their roster to 53 players—you can follow along with our cuts tracker—they’re also dealing with several injuries on the roster, including a big one to reserve quarterback Tim Boyle.

Boyle injured his throwing hand on the first drive of the Lions’ final preseason game after taking a sack. He was quickly evaluated and he returned to the field on the team’s second drive, executing a 14-play series that ended in a touchdown. He was reexamined by trainers following the drive, pulled from the game, and put in a temporary cast.

Upon further evaluation, team doctors determined that Boyle had broken the thumb on his throwing hand and would require surgery, which is taking place on Monday. Lions head coach Dan Campbell said it's too early to determine if Boyle will be lost for the season, but nothing can be ruled out at this time.

If the Lions believe that Boyle can return this season, he will likely make the team's initial 53-man roster, then be placed on injured reserve on Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET, thus making him eligible to return to the active roster when healthy.

This leaves David Blough as the team's top reserve at quarterback. At a minimum, the Lions will be looking to add another quarterback to the team, even if it’s only on the practice squad.