Lions head coach Dan Campbell clarified on Thursday that the team’s decision to sign Teddy Bridgewater was not a reflection of their opinion on backup quarterback Hendon Hooker. However, it would be difficult to blame Hooker if he felt differently.
Hooker has been serving as the backup to Jared Goff all season, and the addition of Bridgewater, after spending the year coaching at a high school, might be seen as a lack of confidence in the 2023 third-round pick, especially as the postseason approaches. Despite this, Hooker remained unfazed when speaking to the media on Thursday.
He expressed that he always anticipated Bridgewater’s return and referred to him as a mentor, explaining that Bridgewater had been a reliable source of guidance both on football matters and life in general. Hooker added that he wasn’t shaken by the prospect of competing alongside another quarterback.
“Throughout my football career, I’ve always been in a quarterback competition,” Hooker remarked, according to Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press. “It’s part of the business. Just bring your game.”
The Lions are hopeful that Jared Goff will remain the only quarterback they need to rely on for significant snaps as they aim for success in the postseason. However, the team believes that having both Bridgewater and Hooker available provides additional security in case injury impacts the quarterback position.
