Last week, the Detroit Lions made the tough decision to cut ties with former third-round pick Hendon Hooker ahead of the roster cutdown deadline. The Lions were hoping Hooker would step up to the plate and win the QB2 job this summer.
However, that didn’t happen as veteran quarterback Kyle Allen thoroughly outplayed the former third-round pick this summer, making Hooker expendable. Heading into Week 1, the Lions have two quarterbacks on their 53-man roster and none on the practice squad.
Most teams usually carry three quarterbacks on the 53-man roster, or stash one on the practice squad. The third quarterback is inactive on game days, but could play if the starter and backup get hurt.
That said, it would benefit the Lions to bring in a third quarterback in the coming weeks. Lions head coach Dan Campbell was asked about the QB room on Monday and gave an interesting answer, which could be viewed as a direct indictment of Hooker.
Dan Campbell said if the Lions add a third QB, it will be a guy they feel can run the show more than a developmental option.
— Justin Rogers | Detroit Football Network (@Justin_Rogers) September 1, 2025
Dan Campbell Takes Firm Stance on a QB3 After Hendon Hooker Failure
According to Justin Rogers of Detroit Football Network, the Detroit head coach said if the Lions add a third quarterback, he wants that player to be able to run the show, not be a developmental option.
It’s not surprising to see Campbell take a firm stance on a third quarterback, especially seeing how things played out with Hooker. When the Lions took the Tennessee product in the third round in 2023, they knew he would miss his rookie year because of a torn ACL.
However, due to Hooker’s age and collegiate experience, the Lions were likely hoping that the learning curve would not be steep when he was able to play. Hooker appeared in three games in mop-up duty, completing 6-of-9 passes for 62 yards.
But the Lions weren’t impressed with Hooker last season, as the team brought back veteran Teddy Bridgewater weeks before the playoffs. With Bridgewater back in the fold, Hooker was demoted to QB3.
Then this summer, Hooker didn’t do enough to change the narrative about himself to the point that Campbell was clearly over him.
When you factor all that in, plus the Lions' goals this season, it makes sense why Campbell doesn’t want a project QB3.
Guys like Nate Sudfeld, Mike White, Taylor Heinicke, Tim Boyle, and Logan Woodside, who would fit what Campbell is looking for. That said, we’ll see if any of those guys get the call from Detroit, which doesn’t have a pressing need yet.