Hendon Hooker steps up in camp after receiving major message from Dan Campbell

The Detroit Lions have certainty at the starting quarterback position, but everything is still firmly up in the air regarding who backs up Jared Goff in 2025.

During training camp and preseason games, the pressure will be on Hendon Hooker and Kyle Allen to show that either belong behind Goff, ready to be called upon first if crisis should strike during the 2025 season.

Being he was a 2023 third-round pick, the decision makers are clearly rooting for Hooker. That was evident in Dan Campbell's message to his quarterback as training camp kicked off, where he revealed the franchise encouraged him to step up and improve before the offseason.

"(Hendon) Hooker knows the deal, man. You're out here to compete. We gave him some things to do while he was home, talking about working on a little bit of the urgency (and) the footwork. Certainly continue training. It's only one day, (but) I liked what I saw out there yesterday. There was an urgency. I thought his footwork was on, I thought he was spitting the plays out. There again, it's day one. He knows what it is. It's time for him to take the next step, so it's his move. I think he's wired right. It means something to him, and here we go. It's open camp."

Hooker seemed to heed the advice. On Monday, July 21, he was impressive during practice, earning applause from reporters who watched up close such as Nolan Bianchi of the Detroit News, who lauded his performance as 'sharp.'

Obviously, Hooker will have to stack more impressive practice performances together and show up on game day in order to fend off the more experienced Allen as the primary backup.

Hendon Hooker believes he has made the strides Lions are looking for

For his part, Hooker understood what he had to do, and accepted that challenge in a big way. After the Lions pushed him leading into the offseason, Hooker says he feels good on the field, and is already seeing the benefits of honing his skills with some steady improvement.

"Just playing fast and playing on time with rhythm and playing confident. (Dan Campbell) wants me to go out there and and showcase my talent, and the only way I can do that is by playing fast and playing confident. (I feel) a lot faster. Just hitting guys in windows that are developing a little earlier, seeing it a little earlier and playing on time."

Practice reps are one thing, of course, and Hooker's biggest test will be to show he can handle games. The first chance at that will come during the preseason opener on July 31 against the Los Angeles Chargers. Last year, Hooker's preseason was uneven, as he threw for 300 yards but only accounted for two total touchdowns and one interception in three games.

If Hooker is able to combine solid practices with better game tape, the Lions might finally solve their backup situation. Having Hooker be the player to take those reigns would be a massive win for Detroit.