The Detroit Lions will face the Los Angeles Chargers Thursday night at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio, in the NFL Hall of Fame Game. Despite high anticipation for Jared Goff’s return, the Lions’ quarterback will sit out the game to avoid injury, opening the door for Hendon Hooker and Kyle Allen to share playing time.
The decision to rest Goff follows the common NFL practice of preserving key starters during preseason matches. This allows the Lions to protect their leading quarterback after his standout 2024 season, during which he helped Detroit secure a 15-2 record and earn the top NFC seed.
Quarterbacks Hendon Hooker and Kyle Allen to Compete for Backup Role
With Goff sidelined, the third-year Hendon Hooker and veteran Kyle Allen will split snaps under center as they vie for the backup quarterback position. Hooker, selected in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft by the Lions, has yet to have significant playing time, appearing in only three games to date.
Kyle Allen, in his fifth NFL season, is an experienced player seeking to make an impact with Detroit. Having started 19 NFL games, mostly in 2019 with the Carolina Panthers, Allen brings veteran presence as he begins his fifth franchise tenure.
Broadcast and Viewing Information for the Hall of Fame Game
Football fans can watch the Lions and Chargers kickoff the preseason with the Hall of Fame Game airing live on NBC at 8:00 p.m. ET. The broadcast will originate from Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio, featuring play-by-play announcer Mike Tirico alongside color analyst Cris Collinsworth, with sideline reports by Melissa Stark.
For viewers preferring streaming options, the game will also be accessible via Peacock, DirecTV, and FuboTV, ensuring multiple platforms to catch all the action from this highly anticipated preseason matchup.
Impact of the Game for the Detroit Lions’ Quarterback Depth
This game presents a critical chance for both Hooker and Allen to showcase their skills and strengthen their bids for the Lions’ No. 2 quarterback spot, especially with Goff’s absence. How they perform could shape the team’s quarterback dynamics going into the regular season.
Fans will be watching closely as the Lions navigate this transitional moment, balancing the precautions needed to protect their star while assessing the depth behind him heading into a promising new NFL campaign.