Who could Lions add to fill quarterback room with Hendon Hooker injured?
This week, the Detroit Lions will put their quarterback depth to the test.
With Hendon Hooker out due to a concussion sustained in the preseason opener, the Lions have only two quarterbacks on their roster. Jared Goff did not play in the preseason opener, nor did he suit up at all last year, thus Nate Sudfeld is the only other option for now.
If Hooker is unlikely to be cleared for Saturday’s game against the Kansas City Chiefs, the Lions may need to seek elsewhere to add depth for the rest of the preseason. Sudfeld and Hooker are presently vying for the backup job behind Goff, so this opportunity may appeal to a free agent trying to battle for a roster place.
Last season, the Lions signed Teddy Bridgewater shortly before the start of the preseason, and he played in the final two games before the regular season.
The Lions might sign four cornerbacks before the second preseason game.
Ryan Tannehill
Tannehill is the most experienced signal caller still on the market. Last season, the Tennessee Titans benched the 2012 first-round pick in favor of Will Levis in Week 10, but he made two starts at the end of the season when Levis was injured.
Tannehill, 36, has over a decade of NFL experience and would be a quick student. He would also emerge as a genuine contender for the backup spot behind Goff, having made 151 career starts.
The Texas A&M product has expressed a desire to return to the game when the perfect chance arises. If Detroit is looking for a veteran who can provide a consistent presence in the case that Goff is injured, Tannehill may be the ideal opponent to the current battle.
Ben DiNucci
DiNucci, the Dallas Cowboys’ seventh-round pick in 2020, has previously played for two NFL teams. He started for Dallas as a rookie and spent last season on the Denver practice squad.
DiNucci may be able to swiftly adjust to the Lions’ offense after spending last year with Sean Payton, who also happens to be Dan Campbell’s mentor. The James Madison graduate is another talent who can push Hooker and Sudfeld to their full potential.
Jordan Ta’amu
Ta’amu is familiar with the Lions organization, having spent two stints with the team during his career. First, he joined the practice squad late in the 2020 season. He rejoined the organization in the fall of 2021, but just for six days.
Ta’amu has since played for the Washington Commanders, Carolina Panthers, Minnesota Vikings, and, most recently, the Washington Defenders in the United Football League. Ta’amu tossed 1,846 yards, 15 touchdowns, and nine interceptions in 10 games for the Defenders last season.
The Ole Miss product possesses enough of arm talent, and his familiarity with the squad may be advantageous. Detroit’s offense has progressed significantly since his early camp stay, but there’s a lot to appreciate about Ta’amu’s ability to contend for a job.
Cade Peterson
If the Lions are looking for an answer who is familiar with a chunk of Ben Johnson’s offensive setup and philosophies, Peterson and fellow rookie minicamp tryout player Theo Day might be viable choices.
Both players were undrafted this year, with Peterson coming from Grand Valley State and Day from Northern Iowa. They each had the opportunity to understand the offense during their three-day minicamp and would require less instruction than other young options as a result.
The disadvantage is that either Peterson or Day would be playing in their first NFL game. On such short notice, it would be difficult for either of the athletes to perform at their best.
