The Detroit Lions quarterback room has been one of the bigger storylines of training camp and preseason. With Jared Goff entrenched as the starter and Kyle Allen clearly solidifying himself as the backup, the spotlight has fallen on Hendon Hooker, the 2023 third-round pick who has struggled to prove he belongs on the 53-man roster.
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Following Saturday’s preseason finale against the Houston Texans, Hooker was asked directly if he feels he’s done enough to earn a roster spot. His response was confident, yet self-aware.
“From the work that I’ve put in and what I’ve put on tape, and in practice, and a couple plays in the game, I have showcased some good things, and have some things to still work on, like I said before. But I made a strong stance.” Hooker said after the game.
#Lions QB Hendon Hooker knows he has things to work on but feels like he’s made a “strong stance” to make the final 53-man roster. pic.twitter.com/sunEsA5A0B
— Eric Woodyard (@E_Woodyard) August 23, 2025
A Rocky Preseason
Hooker’s performance against Houston summed up much of his preseason: flashes of athletic ability mixed with inconsistency. He finished the finale completing 6 of 11 passes for 70 yards, throwing an interception, and adding a 25-yard scramble that reminded everyone of the mobility that made him a dangerous dual-threat at Tennessee.
But his mistakes, including overthrows, sacks he could have avoided, and an overreliance on checkdowns, have raised questions about whether the Lions will carry three quarterbacks or move forward with just two.
Making His Case
Hooker’s comments show a player who knows he hasn’t been perfect but still believes he has demonstrated enough progress to warrant keeping. His work ethic and willingness to own both the positives and negatives could be part of what Detroit’s coaching staff weighs when making roster decisions.
The reality, though, is that the Lions are in win-now mode. With Goff and Allen providing a stable one-two punch, the question is whether the front office wants to continue investing in Hooker’s development or allocate that roster spot elsewhere.
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The Bottom Line
Hendon Hooker may not have had the preseason he wanted, but he hasn’t lost confidence in himself. While his future in Detroit remains uncertain, his message was clear: he believes he’s earned the right to stick around.
Now, the decision falls to Brad Holmes and the Lions’ front office, do they buy into Hooker’s “strong stance,” or has his fate already been sealed?