Dan Campbell explains why Lions pulled Hendon Hooker from preseason game early

Mike Moraitis

Dan Campbell explains why Lions pulled Hendon Hooker from preseason game early image

Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

Going into the preseason Week 1 game against the Atlanta Falcons, the Detroit Lions planned on giving Hendon Hooker the entire first half.

However, with about four minutes remaining in the second quarter, fellow backup Kyle Allen was inserted into the game, which led many to wonder if Hooker was pulled because of injury or because of his struggles.

Head coach Dan Campbell revealed on Monday it was because of the latter, according to Colton Pouncy of The Athletic.

"Dan Campbells said Hendon Hooker was pulled before the first half was over because of his two fumbles," Pouncy reported.

"You decide you're gonna be a runner, you gotta tuck it away, man," Campbell said of Hooker's two fumbles.

Hooker completed 7-of-10 passes for 38 yards and added three carries for 27 yards, but he didn't lead a single scoring drive and turned the ball over twice with the two aforementioned fumbles.

Making Hooker's night look even worse was the fact that Allen immediately led the Lions on a touchdown drive upon entering the game. Allen ultimately finished the contest 7-of-8 for 120 yards and two touchdowns and didn't turn the ball over, although he did have a fumble he was able to recover.

At this point, Allen looks to be ahead of Hooker in the competition. Hooker was a bit better in the Hall of Fame Game, but not by much and it wasn't even close between the two on Friday night.

While it isn't looking good for Hooker right now, he still has two more preseason contests to right the ship before the Lions have to decide who their QB2 is.

If Hooker loses the competition, it's not crazy to think he could be cut.

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Mike Moraitis

Mike Moraitis is a freelance writer who covers the NFL for the Sporting News. Over his nearly two decades covering sports, Mike has also worked for Bleacher Report, USA TODAY and FanSided. He hates writing in the third person.