The Lions have announced that they will be “redshirting” rookie QB Hendon Hooker for the 2023-24 season. The 3rd round draft pick is coming off of an ACL tear in his final season at Tennessee, and this season will be about rehab and translation from college to the NFL. So with the rookie quarterback being sat for the year, it affects the role of Goff in the offense. This move virtually cements Goff as the day one starter and means he will have to elevate this team in his 3rd season in Detroit.
Goff improved last year from his first season with the Lions, and nearly brought the Lions to their first playoff appearance since 2016. Coach Campbell seemingly feels comfortable moving forward with Goff for the near future, however the move to redshirt Hooker means the Lions have hope for a strong recovery and that Hooker will grow into his potential. The talented rookie put up good numbers in his final collegiate season with a 27:2 touchdown to interception ratio in just 11 games before getting injured.
The front office has drafted Hendon Hooker with the intention that he can eventually become the starter and franchise quarterback, so Goff will likely have to defend his starting position in a QB competition against Hooker. For now, Goff is Detroit’s guy, but give Hooker time to rehab and acclimate to the NFL environment, and he will most definitely give Goff a run for his money and could be the QB the Lions have been looking for.
