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Report: Lions releasing backup QB Hendon Hooker

Kyle Allen will backup Jared Goff for Lions this season

CANTON, OHIO - JULY 31: Hendon Hooker #2 of the Detroit Lions throws a pass during the third quarter of the 2025 Pro Football Hall of Fame Game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium on July 31, 2025 in Canton, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images) (Nick Cammett, 2025 Getty Images)

The Hendon Hooker era is over before it ever started in Detroit.

Hooker, a quarterback who was drafted by the Lions in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft, is being released as the Lions finalize their roster, according to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo.

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Hooker was outplayed by veteran quarterback Kyle Allen in the Lions four preseason games. He could be brought back to the practice squad if he clears waivers.

After the last game vs. Houston, Lions head coach Dan Campbell spoke about his performance.

“Look, I wish Hooker, and I know he does – would’ve had a better outing, but you have to take it with a grain of salt,” Campbell said. “It’s not like he was playing with our first O-Line out there, or first team skill position – all of that. So you take that all into account as well. I thought he was prepared. I thought he was ready – looked pretty calm, just circumstances didn’t work out today, that’s all.”

The NFL’s deadline to cut rosters down to 53 players is Tuesday at 4 p.m.


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