The backup quarterback spot has been a concern for the Detroit Lions since last season. In December, the team signed veteran Teddy Bridgewater, not because of any "disappointment or lack of trust" in Hendon Hooker, but because they understood the importance of having a reliable backup behind Jared Goff.
This year, the Lions find themselves in a familiar position. However, turning to Bridgewater isn't an option. He signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the 2025 season and is no longer available.
MLive's Lions reporter Benjamin Raven's "Detroit Lions 53-man roster projection 1.0," which was shared on Sunday, highlights that the QB2 role remains a major question mark for Dan Campbell and Co.
The current depth chart lists Goff, Hooker and Kyle Allen, who was signed as an unrestricted free agent in March. However, concerns about Hooker's readiness to serve as QB2 have grown after a mixed preseason showing. According to Raven, "Hendon Hooker has not proven to be ready to handle QB2 come the regular season. His ball security and awareness in the pocket have been lacking."
Hooker's issues were visible in the preseason game against the Atlanta Falcons. He fumbled twice, once on a scramble with sloppy ball security and another while having "more than enough time to feel the defender coming," despite poor pass protection.
Allen, meanwhile, "makes the roster based on the giant question mark that is Hooker," helped by a perfect passer rating against the Falcons. Still, neither Allen nor Hooker provides the proven reliability of a veteran like Bridgewater.
For now, Detroit's QB depth remains unsettled. The Lions must find stability behind Goff before the regular season begins.