Detroit Lions veteran quarterback Kyle Allen appears to have distanced himself in the backup quarterback competition, even after the team wrapped up its preseason slate with a strong performance from Allen and a challenging outing for Hendon Hooker.
In the final preseason game, Allen led Detroit’s lone scoring drive against the Houston Texans, connecting with rookie Isaac TeSlaa on a 33-yard touchdown that showcased his accuracy and timing. Allen finished 5-of-5 for 66 yards and a touchdown in the game, and over the last three weeks of preseason action, he has gone 26-of-30 for 310 yards, five touchdowns and no interceptions. Those numbers have helped fuel the perception that he’s solidified the No. 2 quarterback role behind the team’s starter, even as Hooker has continued to push.
Hooker’s preseason path did not go as smoothly. Against Houston, he went 6-of-11 for 70 yards. Across the entire preseason, Hooker finished 22-of-40 for 187 yards, with three interceptions, two fumbles and no touchdowns. Lions coach Dan Campbell acknowledged the tougher outing but emphasized context, noting that Hooker wasn’t working with Detroit’s first-team lines or skill players. “I wish Hooker — and I know he does — would’ve had a better outing, but you have to take it with a grain of salt,” Campbell said. “It’s not like he was playing with our first O-Line out there, or first-team skill position, all of that. So you take that all into account as well. I thought he was prepared. I thought he was ready — looked pretty calm, just circumstances didn’t work out today, that’s all.”
Analytics also weighed in after the game. Pro Football Focus graded Allen as the Lions’ second-best offensive player for the game (behind TeSlaa) and placed him in the 80s for the third consecutive game in terms of overall offensive grade, underscoring his steadiness and efficiency during the preseason.
Key performers and grades from the game reflected a mix of strengths and gaps. On offense, TeSlaa stood out as the top graded receiver, followed by Allen, with other contributors including Zack Johnson and Ronnie Bell providing solid outings. On the other side, several defenders posted standout efforts, while some listed at lower grades included a few players who will need to raise their performance heading into the regular season.
What this means for Detroit going forward
– Kyle Allen appears to have secured the primary backup role for now, delivering consistent, efficient play and a game-changing connection on the lone scoring drive of the Texans game.
– Hendon Hooker’s progress will be watched closely in practice and potential next steps, as his preseason struggles have raised questions about his position on the 53-man roster.
– The Lions will weigh how Hooker can contribute in practice and potentially in packages if they keep him, while relying on Allen’s veteran presence to carry the scout-team workload and serve as a trusted backup during the early weeks of the regular season.
– The coaching staff’s comments suggest a pragmatic approach to evaluating the quarterbacks, accounting for circumstances such as line protection and personnel around them.
Bottom line
Allen’s strong finish to the preseason, highlighted by efficient command of the offense and a flawless final drive, positions him as the frontrunner for the backup job. Hooker will need to show improvement and consistency to alter the trajectory ahead of roster decisions. The Lions enter the regular season with a clear path at quarterback depth, thanks in large part to Allen’s steady play and TeSlaa’s standout contributions.
Summary
Kyle Allen’s preseason performance has placed him in the driver’s seat for Detroit’s backup quarterback role, while Hendon Hooker faces an uphill climb to secure a roster spot after fluctuating results. The team’s coaching staff emphasized context and preparedness, underscoring that performance in practice and games will continue to shape the final depth chart. Positive outlook hinges on continued growth from Hooker and continued reliability from Allen.