Dan Campbell says one QB has 'upper hand' in Detroit Lions backup competition

The Detroit Lions have just one preseason game to go before gearing up for the regular season opener on September 8. Much has been learned about the roster through two preseason games, but some questions remain.

Head coach Dan Campbell at least partially answered one of those questions on Thursday. The coach was asked about the backup quarterback job, where Hendon Hooker and Nate Sudfeld have been locked in a battle for the spot all summer.

Campbell admitted that Sudfeld has “the upper hand” in the competition. However, the coach added that there is a “good” chance the team keeps three QBs on the roster.

"You have to have conviction that whoever that (No. 2) guy is, is going to be able to keep this ship afloat and what we know about Hooker is, Hooker is a young, developing quarterback and he needs reps and he needs time," Campbell said, per Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press . "I do know that. And Nate right now has the upper hand because he’s played more. He’s been in it more, he’s seen it more, he just — and so with that, that would tell you there’s a good chance you could keep three. Am I going to say that 100 percent certain right now? No. But that’s kind of what you look at."

Inconsistency has plagued Hooker all summer, which allowed Sudfeld to keep his grasp on the backup job and a roster spot, but things have changed in the preseason.

The former Tennessee Volunteer impressed in the opener, but was knocked out of the game after suffering a concussion . Hooker returned in the second preseason game and had a great performance, completing 12- of-15 passes for 150 yards while adding a rushing touchdown.

Sudfeld had a rough outing in the opener and had some bad moments in the second game, as well. However, clearly Campbell values Sudfeld’s experience and Hooker still needs to show more to secure the job.

It’s entirely possible that Hooker could still surpass Sudfeld with another strong performance in preseason Week 3. Regardless, Campbell is comfortable keeping both passers on the roster to start the 2024 season.