Lions HC Dan Campbell details the expected plan for former Tennessee Vols QB Hendon Hooker in final preseason game

Former Tennessee Vols quarterback Hendon Hooker has had a nice preseason so far for the Detroit Lions.

Hooker, a third round selection by the Lions in the 2024 NFL Draft, saw his first game action in week one of the preseason when he accounted for 70 total yards against the New York Giants (36 passing yards and 34 rushing yards).

The former Vol was removed from the game against the Giants after suffering a concussion, but he recovered in time to play against the Kansas City Chiefs in week two of the preseason. Hooker passed for 150 yard against the Chiefs while adding 11 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown (the first of Hooker's NFL career).

On Tuesday, Lions head coach Dan Campbell told reporters that the plan is to start Hooker in Detroit's preseason finale against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday.

"Certainly we want to get him (Hooker) a real good look," said Campbell. "We'd love to give him a lot of reps this week. I think the idea would be, you know, you'd love to start him this week. And then it's just a matter of how much does he play? Is it a couple of series and then Nate (Sudfeld) goes in and then he's back. Or is it a quarter, or is it a half? But he's going to get a really good look. He's going to get a lot of reps this week because he needs them."

Hooker is currently battling Nate Sudfeld for the Lions' No. 2 quarterback job behind starter Jared Goff.

The feeling is that Detroit wants Hooker to win the job -- which shouldn't come as a surprise considering the Lions invested a third round pick in drafting the former Vol. But Hooker won't just be handed the job -- he'll have to earn it. And so far, it looks like he is.

If Hooker has another strong preseason performance, it seems likely that he'll slot in as the primary backup behind Goff to start the 2024 season.

Related: Former Vols DB Brandon Turnage explains why he transferred to Ole Miss and makes strong statement about his time at Tennessee