Jared Goff remains entrenched as the Detroit Lions’ starting quarterback for the foreseeable future, a reality that was well-known ahead of the 2023 NFL Draft. That’s what made the decision to use a top-70 pick (No. 68 overall via a trade-up) on Hendon Hooker so surprising at the time.

Hooker was coming off a torn ACL suffered late in his final season at Tennessee, which meant his rookie year would essentially be a developmental “redshirt” season. He was also considered an older prospect, turning 25 around the time he was drafted.

Last season, Hooker technically earned the No. 2 quarterback job, though largely by default after Nate Sudfeld failed to offer any real competition. Hooker saw brief action in a few blowout wins, but it was difficult to gauge his potential in those situations.

Late in the year, Detroit brought back veteran Teddy Bridgewater after his high school coaching stint. Bridgewater was then promoted to the backup role for the Divisional Round against Washington, jumping over Hooker in the process.

Even though head coach Dan Campbell downplayed the move, the Lions’ decision revealed what they really think of Hooker. It also diminished whatever trade value he may have still possessed around the league.

This offseason, Detroit signed journeyman Kyle Allen. As ESPN’s Ben Solak pointed out, the addition indicated a lack of trust in Hooker, if that hadn’t already been made clear previously.

It’s easy to overanalyze the first practice of training camp. Still, some early impressions end up being significant. John Maakaron of SI.com noted the early order of quarterback reps on Sunday.

Jeff Risdon of Lions Wire was on hand for the session. His review of Hooker wasn’t necessarily negative, but his initial reaction told a more concerning story about the quarterback’s status.

The Lions traditionally rotate their backup quarterbacks with the second- and third-team units during camp, so Hooker will get his chances. As Justin Rogers of Detroit Football Network observed, Allen presents real competition in a way Sudfeld never did.

The assumption remains that Hooker has the inside track on the No. 2 spot, with Allen mostly seen as a depth piece or insurance policy. That belief still holds—for now.

However, if Allen ends up winning the job, it will be hard to justify Hooker remaining as a third-string option. That outcome would reflect poorly on his growth after two offseasons, training camps, and preseasons. This time, health won’t be a valid excuse.

Of course, it’s only one practice, and there’s plenty left to unfold. But Hooker’s margin for error was already thin—and now, it’s clear he’s opened camp behind the curve.