Former Detroit Lions quarterback Hendon Hooker is signing to the Carolina Panthers’ practice squad, according to Panthers writer Mike Kaye.
Hooker, a 2023 third-round pick from the Lions, entered training camp with the common belief he was the favorite to win Detroit’s backup quarterback job behind Jared Goff. However, after struggles in the preseason—along with a very strong performance from veteran quarterback Kyle Allen—it was clear Hooker had fallen out of favor in Detroit. After the Lions’ final preseason game, Lions coach Dan Campbell even wondered aloud if Hooker would benefit from a new home.
“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 finished the preseason completing just 22-of-40 passes for 187 yards, three interceptions, and two lost fumbles.
Hooker joins a Panthers quarterback room that consists of former first-round pick Bryce Young and veteran Andy Dalton.
The Lions, meanwhile, will likely be on the search for a QB3 of their own. With Goff and Allen locked into the top two positions, don’t be surprised if Detroit adds a third quarterback via their practice squad.
You can track all of the Lions’ roster additions and practice squad signings with our latest 2025 roster tracker. The tracker includes an up-to-date look at the Lions’ 53-man roster.
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