Lions reporter makes 53-man roster prediction for former Tennessee Vols QB Hendon Hooker

Former Tennessee Vols quarterback Hendon Hooker's future with the Detroit Lions is a bit murky as the North Carolina native enters his third season in the NFL. 

Hooker, a third round selection by the Lions in the 2023 NFL Draft, slid down Detroit's depth chart near the end of last season when the franchise chose to sign Teddy Bridgewater out of retirement to serve as the primary backup to starter Jared Goff during the playoffs. 

The Lions added to the uncertainty surrounding Hooker's role when they signed veteran quarterback Kyle Allen to serve as competition for the former Vol this offseason. 

Allen, who is just two years older than Hooker, is a journeyman quarterback who has 19 career starts under his belt. 

Hooker, meanwhile, has attempted just nine passes in the NFL. 

It's going to be an important summer for Hooker, who is looking to secure a spot on the Lions' 53-man roster. It's certainly possible that Detroit could choose to waive Hooker before the start of the 2025 season. 

For now, though, Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press has Hooker and Allen both making the Lions' 53-man roster. 

From the Detroit Free Press: Goff was in the MVP conversation last season, but the Lions weren’t sold enough on Hooker’s preparedness as a backup so they went out and signed Teddy Bridgewater before the start of the playoffs. This year, they added Allen for competition. The Lions seem to like having three QBs on the roster. Hooker still has a ways to go in his development, so I’ve got all three in for now.

That's a good sign for Hooker, but his spot on the 53-man roster is far from solidified. 

As Birkett noted, Lions head coach Dan Campbell likes to say that "the Lions have been practicing in pajamas so far, and no one makes the team till the pads come on". 

Hooker needs to have a strong training camp, otherwise he could be looking for a new home later this summer.