Kyle Allen Earns Starting Nod in Preseason - Lions Backup QB Battle Heats Up

Kyle Allen joins the Detroit Lions as the lead contender in a heated backup QB battle during summer camp. Explore his NFL history, comparisons with Hendon Hooker, preseason performance, and implications for the Lions QB depth chart.

🏈 Kyle Allen Background:

Kyle Allen born in March 8, 1996. He is a 29 year old NFL quarterback, currently in his seventh season. A product of Houston and Texas A&M, Allen came into the league undrafted in 2018 and has been with five teams before joining Detroit: Carolina, Washington, Houston, Buffalo, and Pittsburgh.

Kyle Allen distinguished himself with Carolina by starting 12 games in 2019, throwing for 3,322 yards and 17 touchdowns, even with 16 interceptions. His entire career features participation in 31 games and he started at his age of 19, achieving a completion percentage of 62.7%, totaling 4,753 passing yards, 26 touchdowns, 21 interceptions and resulting in a passer rating of approximately 82.3.

Signing with the Detroit Lions & Backup QB Context

On March 13, 2025, Allen inked a one-year contract worth $1.27 million (approximately $100K guaranteed) with Detroit to vie for the backup QB position behind starter Jared Goff.

The decision was mainly perceived as an indication that the Lions lacked complete faith in Hendon Hooker, their third-round pick in 2023, to take on that position without competition. ESPN analyst rankings placed Detroit’s offseason among the top five in the league, but questioned the Allen signing as a signal about Hooker’s current standing.

Training Camp & QB Battle Unfolding

During training camp and OTAs, Allen and Hooker have alternated reps with the second and third team offenses illustrating a genuine competition for QB2 behind Goff. Allen initially received backup reps, while Hooker dropped into third team work earlier in camp a notable concern for his prospects.

Allen himself described his approach as keeping things simple and learning the team’s offense quickly, embracing the competition fully. Reports on Pat McAfee’s Show confirmed Allen will start the Hall of Fame Game, with Hooker also expected to play—pointing toward real-time evaluation in a live setting.

Preseason Debut: Hall of Fame Game Performance

On 31st July in the Hall of Fame preseason open, the Chargers defeated the Lions 34-7. Even with starters resting the game acted as a crucial assessment for backup quarterbacks and reserves.

Allen’s Performance

Finished 9 out of 14 throws for 91 yards
Threw two picks and had difficulty with situational awareness
One miss: overthrew a deep target leading to an interception
Another issue: slid on a short-yardage third down instead of fighting for the first down
Performance generally rated poorly; Hooker looked only marginally better.

Hooker Comparison

While Hooker’s own limited action (2-of-4 for 12 yards, three carries) did not decisively elevate him, Allen’s setback widened his lead in the QB2 race. Allen’s two picks and timing errors amplified concerns around his reliability in game flow.

Player Profile: Allen vs Hooker

Metric	Kyle Allen	Hendon Hooker
Experience	7 seasons, 31 games, 19 starts	2 NFL seasons, limited action
Completion	62.7%	N/A (still developing)
Career Statistics	4,753 yds, 26 TD, 21 INTs	Minimal NFL stats
2025 Contract	1-year, $1.27M (minimum)	Day 3 pick, reasonable contract
Camp Rep Alignment	Initially second team	Moved to third team early

Allen’s veteran presence gives him an early advantage in camp, but his preseason performance threatens to drag him behind Hooker’s ceiling, especially if Hooker shows improved accuracy under center.

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What’s at Stake: QB2 and Roster Cut Decisions

The Lions hold Jared Goff as a secure starter through 2028.
The QB2 role is contested between Allen and Hooker; the loser may bump to third string or practice squad.
Jake Fromm adds depth as a veteran fallback, while mounting rumors suggest the team could even add a more high profile veteran (e.g. Carson Wentz), complicating Allen’s path.
Some insiders suggest Allen may be released before roster cutdown if Hooker continues to develop.

Analysis: Allen’s Outlook & QB Depth Strategy

Allen’s signing delivered short term stability and veteran coverage; a smart low cost move in free agency.
Hooker’s developmental trajectory still looks promising; his leadership and improved timing have been praised by coaches.
Allen’s mistakes in the Hall of Fame Game raise legitimate doubts about his trustworthiness as a primary backup when Goff is unavailable.
Despite his shaky preseason debut, Allen still controls his fateif he steadies, he may earn retention as a mentor and spot starter, failure could result in Hooker’s elevation or even a third party veteran signal caller.