The Detroit Lions are fortunate to have one of the best starting quarterbacks in the NFL. But the question of who will play behind him is one of the key storylines for the Lions this preseason.
Kyle Allen and Hendon Hooker have battled for the backup job and both quarterbacks have had ample playing time over the first two preseason games. While the two signal callers may be neck-and-neck for a roster spot, Dan Campbell may have revealed a new frontrunner on Monday morning.
Dan Campbell says he thought Kyle Allen played "really well."
— Kory Woods (@KoryEWoods) August 11, 2025
"I thought he was on point with the checks...he operated the offense at a high level. I was fired up."
He said that Hendon Hooker made some good throws, but the turnovers led to him being pulled early.
Dan Campbell Hints Kyle Allen Has the Edge in Lions Backup QB Battle
Campbell spoke to reporters on Monday and gave a glowing review for Allen’s performance against the Falcons. While Allen’s statline, going 7-for-8 with 120 yards and two touchdowns, was enough to plead his case, Campbell also praised the way he handled himself after coming in for Hooker, calling his performance “outstanding.”
“I thought he was on point with the checks,” Campbell said via MLive’s Kory Woods. “He operated the offense at a high level. I was fired up.”
Allen didn’t have a great start to the preseason as he threw a pair of interceptions during the Lions’ 34-7 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers in the Hall of Fame Game. But while Allen struggled, Hooker didn’t do much to separate himself, completing 3-of-6 passes for 18 yards and an interception.
Hooker got the start in Friday’s game against the Falcons but turned in another lackluster performance. The 2023 third-round pick completed 7-of-10 passes but he lived on checkdowns, throwing for 38 yards with an average depth of target of 3.9 yards. Hooker also had issues with ball security, fumbling twice and getting pulled in the second quarter.
By comparison Allen has had the better performance through two games. Pro Football Focus charted Allen with a 6.9% turnover worthy play rate but he’s also been more willing to push the ball downfield, logging an aDOT of 9.1 yards and an 8.7% big time throw rate. By comparison, Hooker has logged a turnover worthy play rate of 11.5% and has yet to record a big time throw, defined as “a high-difficulty, high-value pass that demonstrates excellent ball placement and timing, often on deep throws or into tight windows.”
The Lions would probably like to have Hooker win the job, but Campbell’s comments and Allen’s performance appear to make the journeyman the favorite after two preseason games. With two more games to go, Allen is in the driver’s seat and the backup spot may be his to lose as Detroit hosts the Miami Dolphins on Saturday afternoon.