With only one preseason game remaining for the Detroit Lions, it seems obvious that Kyle Allen has won the backup job. If Detroit isn't willing to search for an upgrade, Allen has won the preseason battle, appearing to be the more capable option. While the first game was extremely rocky, the veteran backup has put this behind him, showing flashes of productivity in both of his last appearances. The same cannot be said of his competition, who has left reason to wonder if the Lions should look for another option.
Hendon Hooker was the fan favorite coming into camp and the preseason to win the backup role. The quarterback is far more mobile and was believed to have more potential upside. Allen's absolute ceiling is as a lower-tier backup option behind a star quarterback. There was reason to wonder if Hooker could develop into something beyond this.
The quarterback has spent the last two seasons with the Lions in a development role. It seems this has yielded very little, if the preseason results are evidence. Hooker had a two-fumble performance and has often looked overmatched. It was bad enough that it earned the attention of head coach Dan Campbell. With this in mind, it seems the quarterback's time with the franchise could be coming to an end.
Detroit Is Quickly Running out of Patience with Lions QB Hendon Hooker
Hooker has always been a project quarterback, and three years in, it appears that it is time to wave the white flag. Even in preseason action, the quarterback is making rookie mistakes, unable to protect the football. While there are still flashes, the mistakes far outweigh whatever potential the signal caller was believed to possess. It is far past time for the franchise to begin to search for an upgrade and turn the page on the quarterback.
Whether this is signing Carson Wentz or taking advantage of camp cuts, the Lions aren't going to have a difficult time finding an upgrade. Hooker's turnovers and unrealistic belief in his own athleticism make finding a better option an easy task. One, the Lions must begin with the current backup situation.
One could easily argue that finding a better backup and demoting Allen to the emergency role is the best decision. Regardless of whether this is the path the franchise chooses, Hooker's time in Detroit is very quickly coming to an end. Barring an epic performance in the preseason finale, it is time for the Lions to make the obvious decision.