According to insider Jordan Schultz and others, the Detroit Lions are waiving quarterback Hendon Hooker.
The news doesn’t come as much of a surprise. Despite entering camp as the favorite to win Detroit’s backup job and with a strong start to camp, Hooker struggled immensely this preseason. In four games, he completed just 22-of-40 passes for 187 yards, three interceptions, and two fumbles lost. He led Detroit on just a single scoring drive—a field goal after the Lions started in opponent territory following a turnover.
After Hooker’s final preseason performance, Lions coach Dan Campbell hinted that the team may be thinking about moving on.
“How much development do you believe there still is? Sometimes does the player need a change of scenery?” Campbell said. “What about our own depth in other areas? I mentioned this the other day, relative to that—all right, maybe there is room to grow. Is that worth it for the depth we need at O-Line, D-Line, receiver, DB?”
Hooker was one of two third-round picks by the Detroit Lions in 2023, and he becomes the very first Day 2 pick under general manager Brad Holmes to be cut.
The Lions’ backup quarterback is now expected to be Kyle Allen, who had a very strong preseason. He completed 35-of-44 passes for 401 yards, five touchdowns, and two interceptions.
Now the Lions will have to figure out who will make their 53-man roster or practice squad as their third-string quarterback. Hooker could theoretically return if he clears waivers.
You can follow along with all of the Lions’ roster cuts here.
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