Detroit Lions quarterback Hendon Hooker’s first two seasons in the NFL haven’t gone like the former Tennessee Vols standout was likely expecting.
Hooker, who was limited as a rookie in 2023 after tearing his ACL near the end of his final season at Tennessee, served as the top backup to Lions quarterback Jared Goff during the 2024 regular season.
The former Vol wasn’t needed often in 2024, playing in just three games during the regular season and attempting only nine passes.
Hooker was essentially demoted once the Lions reached the playoffs, falling to No. 3 on the depth chart after Detroit signed quarterback Teddy Bridgewater to serve as the top backup to Goff.
Bridgewater spent the 2024 season as a high school coach in Florida (he led Miami Northwestern to a state championship).
Goff briefly left the Lions’ loss to the Washington Commanders in the divisional round of the playoffs on Saturday night after taking a hit to the head. It was Bridgewater who entered the game over Hooker, seemingly confirming that Detroit doesn’t trust Hooker in a big spot.