The Detroit Lions gave Hendon Hooker one more chance to prove he belongs on the 53-man roster. Unfortunately, Saturday afternoon may have been the final straw in what’s been a frustrating preseason for the second-year quarterback.
Hendon Hooker Detroit Lions
It Was Now or Never for Hendon Hooker
Hooker entered the Lions’ preseason finale against Houston with his back against the wall. He needed a strong showing to convince the coaching staff he deserved a roster spot. Instead, he delivered what felt like a performance of a player who knows his time in Detroit is over.
Hooker finished the game 6-for-11 passing for 70 yards, with one interception, two sacks, and one positive flash, a 25-yard scramble that showcased the athleticism Lions fans hoped to see more of. He also connected twice with wideout Ronnie Bell, though one completion was wiped away by penalty.
Kyle Allen Seals The Deal
Kyle Allen got the start for the Lions, and he did not disappoint. In fact, if anyone actually believed Hendon Hooker still had a shot to win the No. 2 job, Allen made it crystal clear that he will be Jared Goff’s backup when the season kicks off.
During his brief action, Allen was 5-for-5 for 66 yards, which included an absolutely perfect 33-yard touchdown pass to rookie Isaac TeSlaa.
Writing on the Wall
The Lions may have seen enough. With Jared Goff locked in as the starter and Kyle Allen vastly outplaying Hooker throughout the preseason, it’s hard to justify keeping three quarterbacks. Hooker’s final performance didn’t just fail to save him, it highlighted why Detroit may decide to move on entirely.
At this point, Hooker’s best hope might be catching on with another team looking for developmental depth. But in Detroit, his fate feels sealed.
The Bottom Line
Hendon Hooker needed his best game to survive roster cuts. Instead, he gave the Lions more evidence to move forward with just two quarterbacks. Sometimes opportunities come down to one game, and Hooker came up empty.