The Detroit Lions are gearing up to face the Los Angeles Chargers in the NFL Hall of Fame Game on Thursday, and there’s notable news regarding their starting quarterback lineup.
According to reports from ESPN’s Pat McAfee, the Lions will start Kyle Allen at quarterback for the matchup, contrary to many expectations that Hendon Hooker would take the lead. However, McAfee also mentioned that Hooker is anticipated to see game time as well.
Initially pegged as a strong contender for the number-two quarterback role behind Jared Goff, Hooker was drafted in the third round (No. 68 overall) of the 2023 NFL Draft but faced setbacks due to a torn ACL, which limited his playing time in his rookie season. Despite not starting this preseason opener, he is expected to play a significant portion of the game, providing him an opportunity to demonstrate his skills and solidify his position on the roster.
Kyle Allen, with experience of 19 regular-season starts over seven seasons, will be under pressure to perform, potentially impacting the competition for the backup quarterback spot. The coaching staff’s decision to start Allen suggests they want to assess his capabilities, while simultaneously creating an intriguing dynamic for the quarterback battle between him and Hooker.
The game is scheduled to kick off at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, with both teams likely resting their primary players, focusing instead on evaluating their depth and future prospects.
This matchup serves as a key opportunity for both Allen and Hooker, with the outcome likely to have implications for the Lions’ quarterback depth as the season approaches. It’s an exciting time for Lions fans as they witness the evolution of their team and the players vying for pivotal roles.