Former Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker is primed to be the second-string quarterback in Detriot after a new report reveals that the Lions plan to release backup quarterback Nate Sudfeld on Tuesday.
NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport was the first to release the news.
Source: The #Lions are releasing QB Nate Sudfeld, who has spent plenty of time as No. 2 QB. Now, it appears it’s Hendon Hooker who has won the job.
Sudfeld has impressed plenty in practice (without a ton of game reps) and will find his way into a practice squad, at the least.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 27, 2024
The Lions’ move to release Sudfeld sets up Hooker as the new backup to Jared Goff moving forward.
Hooker did not play in his 2023 rookie season while recovering from an ACL surgery that happened late in his career at Tennessee. The former Vol is now done with the recovery and played in all three of the Lions’ preseason games this month.
Hendon Hooker threw for 300 total yards, one touchdown, and one interception on 29-of-44 passing in three games this preseason.
Hooker made his preseason debut in the Lions’ first game, where he began his run in the third quarter. Hooker finished the game with 5-of-9 passing for 36 yards but left the game in concussion protocol after a series of big hits as the ball carrier.
Bouncing back for his second game, though, the former Vol led the Lions to a comeback victory over the Kansas City Chiefs and was named Player of the Game by the Lions’ organization. Hooker ended the game with 150 passing yards on 80 percent pass while also finding his second rushing touchdown of the preseason.
Hendon Hooker keeps it for the score 🙌#DETvsKC | 📺 Lions TV Network pic.twitter.com/hor0mVtTWO
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) August 17, 2024
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In his final preseason game against the Steelers, Hooker went 12-of-20 for 114 yards and recorded the first passing touchdown of his NFL career.
Hendo and the Funky Bunch 🙌#PITvsDET | 📺 Lions TV Network pic.twitter.com/xzp9uLzH3i
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) August 24, 2024
While still young in his NFL career, the Lions are high enough on Hooker and what he has done in the preseason to go ahead and select him as Jared Goff’s backup. With Detroit looking to make another conference championship run this season, Hooker could be thrust into an important position if an unfortunate injury happens to Goff.
The Lions’ move shows trust in their 26-year-old quarterback despite coming off of an ACL surgery from late 2022.
Keep pushing @henhook2 pic.twitter.com/E26UrlC7jR
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) August 24, 2024
