The Detroit Lions are set at quarterback with Jared Goff. However, that hasn't always been the case. When the Lions traded for Goff, many thought he would be a stopgap until the team found its future signal-caller. That is why they drafted Hendon Hooker with the 68th pick in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
That said, Hooker hasn't had the best start to his career. He spent his rookie season recovering from an ACL injury he sustained while at Tennessee. As a result, he missed crucial developmental time.
Then, last year, he didn't look great in training camp or the preseason, causing fans to wonder if he was a bust. Luckily, it seems like the 27-year-old is turning a corner after the first two days of training camp.
Hendon Hooker Impresses During Day 2 of Lions Training Camp
According to Nolan Bianchi of the Detroit News and corroborated by Ben Raven of MLive, Hooker had a great day two of camp. Raven reported that the ball was coming out quickly from Hooker's hand and that he looked comfortable working with tempo and audibles.
He added, "He was strong yesterday, looked even better on day two. Seeing actual growth there for sure".
seconded.
— Ben Raven (@BenjaminSRaven) July 21, 2025
ball is coming out. it's coming out quick. they are mixing in tempo and audibles, and he looks comfortable. he was strong yesterday, even better on Day 2 of camp. seeing actual growth there for sure. https://t.co/ssweFsqF5w
Raven's comments are good to hear, after some reports said Hooker had an up-and-down first day of camp. According to Jeff Risdon of Lions Wire, the 27-year-old's worst play of the day came on a bounced pass to rookie seventh-round pick Dominic Lovett. The following play was his best of the day, connecting with rookie UDFA tight end Zach Horton on a perfect throw in between two defenders for a big gain.
Hearing Hooker is making progress should excite Lions fans. Despite not wanting to speak a Goff injury into existence, it's always a good thing to have a competent backup quarterback.
If Hooker is able to keep developing during camp and he also puts together good preseason performances, Lions fans might not consider him a bust anymore. If that happens, no fan will be looking to send Hooker on his way out of town anymore.