The Detroit Lions are set to host the Miami Dolphins for joint practices beginning Wednesday, and while the team’s stars will use this as a tune-up for the regular season, the stakes are much higher for one player: Hendon Hooker.
For the 27-year-old quarterback, this is more than another practice session; this is an audition to save his spot on the roster. After a rough training camp and a costly preseason performance, the clock is ticking.
Hendon Hooker head injury Hendon Hooker now or never
From No. 2 in 2024 to the Hot Seat in 2025
Hooker entered last season as the Lions’ No. 2 quarterback after beating out veteran Teddy Bridgewater in camp. It was a win that seemed to validate Detroit’s decision to draft him in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
But when it mattered most, in the 2024 playoffs, the coaching staff showed its hand. When Jared Goff had to leave for a series, it wasn’t Hooker trotting onto the field. It was Bridgewater. That decision spoke volumes. The trust just wasn’t there.
Now, in 2025, Hooker finds himself battling veteran Kyle Allen for the backup role. And to be blunt, the early returns haven’t been promising.
A Training Camp to Forget — So Far
Hooker’s summer has been marred by inconsistency. The practice tape has shown flashes, strong throws into tight windows, and command of the huddle, but those moments have been overshadowed by turnovers and missed opportunities.
The low point? A two-turnover performance against the Falcons in the preseason opener which led head coach Dan Campbell to bench him. Campbell didn’t mince words afterward, making it clear that better ball security and decision-making are non-negotiable.
For a 27-year-old quarterback who entered the league already older than most rookies, the clock is ticking loudly.
Why This Week Matters
Joint practices against the Dolphins offer Hooker exactly what he needs, live reps against an unfamiliar defense, away from the safety net of scripted camp drills. This is where he can prove he belongs.
Detroit’s offense under new coordinator John Morton has emphasized rhythm passing, quick reads, and smart ball distribution. If Hooker can show command of the system and protect the football, he’ll strengthen his case for the QB2 spot.
If not? The Lions’ front office may be forced to ask a hard question: Is it worth keeping a backup they don’t trust in crunch time? Or is it time to move on and give the job to Allen?
The Bigger Picture for the Lions
This is all unfolding against the backdrop of a Lions team with massive expectations. Detroit is coming off a 15-2 season in 2024, where they claimed the No. 1 seed in the NFC before a shocking Divisional Round loss to the Washington Commanders.
The offseason brought major changes; Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn are gone, replaced by Morton and Kelvin Sheppard. And while the roster is healthier than last year’s injury-plagued group, every spot matters when you’re chasing a Super Bowl.
If Detroit’s No. 2 quarterback situation isn’t solidified, it could be one of those small cracks that becomes a big problem down the line.
Hendon Hooker Detroit Lions 2025 Hendon Hooker QB2
Bottom Line
For Hendon Hooker, the window of opportunity is narrowing. He’s got the size, the arm, and the leadership traits that made him a standout at Tennessee, but potential means little without production.
Today, against the Dolphins, the “now or never” moment begins. And if Hooker can’t seize it, the Lions may not give him another chance.