Will Lions Start Hendon Hooker in Preseason Week 3? Dan Campbell Weighs In
The Detroit Lions find themselves at a pivotal moment in their preseason, particularly surrounding the backup quarterback position. Hendon Hooker, a second-year signal-caller, has significantly outplayed veteran Nate Sudfeld, creating a buzz around the potential change in the quarterback depth chart. This preseason showdown reached another level following Week 2 when Hooker completed 12 of 15 passes for 150 yards and added a rushing touchdown, while Sudfeld continued to struggle.
With the backup quarterback battle heating up, the Lions are seriously considering starting Hooker in the third preseason game. Head coach Dan Campbell hinted at this possibility, stating, “Man, there was some real good things in that game, and there were some real bad things, which doesn’t surprise me with where he’s at.” Campbell added, “Certainly, we want to get him a real good look. We’d love to give him a lot of reps this week. I think the idea would be, you’d love to start him this week, I’d like to start him.”
This shift in strategy could provide Hooker with a more challenging and revealing opportunity, potentially facing the Pittsburgh Steelers’ first or second team instead of the lesser competition he has seen so far. Campbell’s comments reflect the team’s desire to evaluate Hooker in more demanding scenarios swiftly. “Is it a couple series and then Nate goes in and then he’s back? Or is it a quarter or a half? But, he’s gonna get a really good look. He’s gonna get a lot of reps this week, because he needs them,” Campbell elaborated.
Starting Hooker in the upcoming game would not only test his mettle but could also solidify his position as the primary backup quarterback. While it remains unclear if the Steelers will field their starters, Hooker playing against higher-caliber opponents would provide valuable insights into his readiness.
Hooker’s ascendance as a strong contender in the backup quarterback competition has significant implications for the Lions’ strategy and depth at the critical position. Sudfeld, who initially had the upper hand during the offseason, now finds himself needing to prove his worth to stay in the running. For the Lions, this decision could shape not just the preseason outcomes but also have lasting effects on the regular season.
The final preseason game presents an invaluable opportunity for the Lions’ coaching staff to make a well-informed decision. Should Hooker rise to the occasion, the Lions could have a reliable backup ready to step up when needed. Conversely, if he struggles, it might open the door for Sudfeld to reclaim his spot.
In essence, the performance in Preseason Week 3 will be a crucial determinant for Hendon Hooker’s role with the Detroit Lions. With head coach Dan Campbell’s endorsement and the evident shift in preseason performance dynamics, all eyes will be on Hooker to see if he can clinch the backup spot decisively.
