Hendon Hooker Reportedly Cut from Lions' Roster, 3rd-Round Pick in 2023 NFL Draft

The Detroit Lions are reportedly releasing backup quarterback and 2023 third-round pick Hendon Hooker, according to Mike Garafolo of NFL Network.

The Lions now have starter Jared Goff and backup Kyle Allen remaining on the roster at the quarterback position, with Allen emerging victorious in the backup quarterback battle.

Monday's news doesn't come as a surprise—head coach Dan Campbell already hinted that Hooker's time in Detroit was probably coming to an end.

"It's always going to be (about) how much development do you believe there is," he told reporters over the weekend when asked about the pros and cons of potentially keeping Hooker as the third quarterback. "Because look, we're talking about Hooker right now. So how much development do you believe there still is? Sometimes does the player need a change of scenery? What about our own depth in other areas? I mentioned this the other day, relative to that—alright, maybe there is room to grow. OK, well, is that worth it for the depth we need at O-Line, D-Line, receiver, defensive back? And so those are all things you got to weigh."

He added that Hooker has worked hard throughout the summer, but the preseason results weren't where they needed to be.

"I wish Hooker—and I know he does—would have had a better outing, but you've got to take it with a grain of salt," he said. "It's not like he was playing with our first o-line out there, or first team skill position, all of that. You take that all into account as well. I thought he was prepared, I thought he was ready, looked pretty calm, and circumstances didn't work out today, that's all."

The 27-year-old finished the preseason 22-of-40 for 187 yards and three interceptions, taking seven sacks. Allen was demonstrably better, finishing the preseason 35-of-44 for 401 yards, with five touchdowns and two picks.

It's possible that Hooker could eventually rejoin the Lions as a member of the practice squad, though Campbell's public comments suggest that the team has seen all it needs to see. And recent developments—from the Lions signing Teddy Bridgewater to be Goff's backup for the playoffs last year after Hooker had been QB2 throughout the season, to Allen beating him out for the job this year—all foreshadowed Monday's release.

Everything was trending toward a change of scenery. It's hard to imagine either side will actively seek a reunion.