Who Is Jared Goff’s Backup in Detroit? Dan Campbell Has an Answer

Kyle Allen completed two touchdown passes against the Dolphins while Hendon Hooker threw a pick.

Who Is Jared Goff’s Backup in Detroit? Dan Campbell Has an Answer

Jared Goff (Image via IMAGO)

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Kyle Allen and Hendon Hooker are battling for the QB2 spot behind Jared Goff on the Detroit Lions roster. Both quarterbacks played against the Miami Dolphins on Saturday.

The first quarter ended with the Dolphins taking a 7-0 lead. It wasn’t until seven minutes into the second quarter that a scoring opportunity presented itself to the Lions.

Allen, who was under center for the Lions, found rookie wide receiver Jackson Meeks for an 11-yard touchdown.

It only took the Lions four more minutes to overtake the Dolphins on the night. Allen from First and 10 aimed a floating pass to rookie Isaac TeSlaa, who maneuvered his body to score a touchdown.

Allen’s night ended with 14 completions from 17 attempts for 124 yards and two touchdowns, with no interceptions.

Dan Campbell sent Hendon Hooker to see out the rest of the game. Hooker stayed a mere spectator as the Dolphins scored two touchdowns to take a seven-point lead.

The Lions were presented with a great opportunity to level with the Dolphins in the garbage time. With thirty seconds left on the clock, Hooker’s pass was intercepted by the Dolphins’ linebacker Ethan Robinson.

There was barely any time left for another drive. Jared Goff watched from the sidelines as the fixture ended 24-17 in favor of the AFC club. Hooker’s night closed with 6 completions from 13 for 61 yards, with no touchdowns, and an interception.

Is Kyle Allen the favorite for the QB2 role behind Jared Goff at the Detroit Lions?

Hooker is entering his third year with the Lions and has yet to see any meaningful snaps in the regular season. He did not do himself any favors in the preseason either.

Who Is Jared Goff's Backup in Detroit? Dan Campbell Has an Answer
Jared Goff (Image via IMAGO)

Campbell gave him extended snaps in the two preseason games (excluding the Hall of Fame game), but Hooker has yet to prove that he deserves the QB2 spot behind Goff. The Tennessee graduate threw 13 completions for just over 90 passing yards and one interception, while Kyle Allen completed 21 passes for 200+ yards and 4 touchdowns.

Although Campbell hasn’t decided on his QB2 for the new season, Allen is currently ahead of Hooker in the pecking order.

[Kyle Allen’s] playing better. So, I would say that right now, if you’re saying—if you had to go in with a two right now, who would you trust more? Yeah, I would trust Kyle more because he’s proven more after these two games. But I’m still—we’re still going to coach Hooker up, and we’re still going to see what’s there and see if we can get him better. I mean, we still got a little bit here.

Dan Campbell said (H/T: NBC Sports)

Reporters asked Hooker what he would change in the final play that resulted in an interception.

I wouldn’t do anything different. [Robinson] made an amazing play. My mind’s still blown. I have never seen someone jump so high to catch an interception—especially blitzing off the edge. That’s an amazing play they made. My decision was a good decision.

Hendon Hooker said via ML Live’s Kory Woods

The Lions stay in Detroit for the preseason finale against the Houston Texans. Goff’s availability remains a mystery, but Allen and Hooker may go for round two.

Allen signed for the Lions in the offseason after spending last year with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The journeyman began his career at the Carolina Panthers, then played two seasons in Washington before one year with the Texans.

2025 will be Goff’s fifth year with the Lions. Before the start of the last campaign, the Lions tied him down to a signed four-year, $212 million contract extension. Goff repaid the team back with 390 completions (72.4% completion), 4629 yards, 37 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions to finish the regular season with a 15-2 record.

The Lions qualified for the divisional round by lifting their second straight NFC North title. Unfortunately, they suffered a 45-31 defeat against the Washington Commanders.

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