Comprehensive Hall of Fame Game viewing guide: Detroit Lions players to watch at every position
The Detroit Lions will open the preseason on Thursday night against the Los Angeles Chargers in the Hall of Fame Game at Tom Benson Stadium in Canton, Ohio.
The game kicks off at 8 p.m. and will be simulcast on NBC and the network’s streaming platform, Peacock.
Below is our position-by-position viewing guide for the contest.
Quarterback
Who likely sits: Jared Goff
Who to watch: Hendon Hooker (No. 2)
Hooker was effective enough during last year’s preseason slate to secure the team’s backup job. In those three contests, he completed 65.9% of his throws for 300 yards, one touchdown and one interception, while rushing for another 138 yards and a score on 19 carries/scrambles.
Whether his statistics this preseason are able to paint the picture, Hooker has undeniably demonstrated on the practice field that he’s graduated with a bachelor’s degree in the Lions’ scheme and begun work on his Master’s.
Hooker has shown outstanding drive and accuracy on his throws throughout camp, but, more importantly, has been his improved processing. He’s working through his progressions more rapidly and getting the ball out in a timely fashion.
It’s understandably not perfect. There are still times when he holds on to the ball too long or prematurely bails from the pocket. Still, fans should get a chance to see his overall improvements against the Chargers, as long as the team’s reserve offensive linemen hold up their end of the bargain.
Running back
Who likely sits: Jahmyr Gibbs, David Montgomery, Craig Reynolds
Who to watch: Jabari Small (No. 42)
Sione Vaki’s status for this one is up in the air. I’d lean toward the Lions taking the cautious approach with the second-year runner after he missed several days with a hamstring injury. He needs work, but not at the risk of a physical setback.
Vaki’s likely absence opens the door for two of the roster’s newest additions, Small and Jacob Saylors, to be prominently featured. The latter, who signed earlier this week, carries intrigue after leading the UFL in rushing and scoring last season. However, Small has been here since the start of camp, repeatedly flashing while working with the third-team offense.