Former Lions QB Released Just Months After Joining New Team
The Detroit Lions made quarterback changes going into the 2025-26 season, because even though they have a solid franchise signal-caller in Jared Goff, his backups were in question. Now, Goff’s backup quarterback is Kyle Allen, so if Goff goes down, Allen is really the only player on the active roster who would step in.
But, at one point, the Lions had hope for readying a different backup quarterback for Goff. That was Hendon Hooker, their 2023 third-round draft pick. Detroit released Hooker on August 25 of this year, just weeks before the start of the regular season. It was an expected announcement at the time, although a disappointing one, since when the Lions picked him up in the draft, he was promising. In Tennessee, he threw for 6,080 yards, 58 touchdowns and five interceptions while completing 68.8% of his passes, according to Sports Reference research. But, before letting him walk, Lions coach Dan Campbell even told reporters he felt Hooker could use a change of scenery, suggesting the outcome that became reality.
“Hooker lost the preseason battle for the backup quarterback job to veteran Kyle Allen, who outplayed Hooker in the Lions’ four preseason games and was clearly the better choice by the conclusion of their preparatory period,” Nick Shook of the NFL’s site stated in a feature at the time.
Ex-Lions Quarterback Looking for a New Home
Hooker was quickly signed by the Carolina Panthers during the offseason and had been serving on their practice squad. But, that all ended on Tuesday, November 4. Amid the drama of trades happening before the NFL’s trade deadline at 4 p.m. Eastern time, the Panthers quietly released Hooker.
“Hooker’s departure seemed inevitable once the Panthers signed Mike White to their practice squad two weeks ago, and then, earlier this week, signed him to the active roster,” Charean Williams NBC Sports notes. “Hooker became the odd man out as the fourth quarterback once Bryce Young was fully healed.”
In other Panthers moves, the team released tackle Michael Tarquin and linebacker Carlos Basham from the practice squad, and they signed running back DeeJay Dallas and safety Israel Mukuamu to the practice squad. They also signed guard Ja’Tyre Carter as a practice squad exception.
Ex-Lions Signal-Caller’s Release Has to Do With Making Room for New Players
As Anthony Rizzuti of the USA Today’s Panthers Wire notes, the moves meant Hooker had to go. “To make room for Dallas, Mukuamu and Carter, the Panthers released quarterback Hendon Hooker, offensive tackle Michael Tarquin and outside linebacker Carlos ‘Boogie’ Basham,” Rizzuti noted in a Tuesday, November 4 piece.
The Detroit Lions also made a move on Tuesday, although it wasn’t a flashy trade move. The team signed Jack Conley to their practice squad, according to Tom Pelissero.
Conley is a rookie guard from Boston College and was most recently with the New England Patriots. Now, he’ll add depth to the Detroit Lions roster following Christian Mahogany going down with a fractured ankle in Week 9. Now, the Detroit Lions will most likely call up Trystan Colon or Kingsley Eguakun to their active roster before their Week 10 game against the Washington Commanders on Sunday, November 9.
What to Expect from Fire Country Season 4 Episode 4: Like a Wounded Wildebeest
Manny takes it upon himself to confront Bode on Fire Country Season 4 Episode 4, “Like a Wounded Wildebeest.”
With Audrey coming to him for help, it’s now up to her and Manny to get Bode to open up about his struggles.
Vince’s death is a heartbreaking situation for the Leone family. However, it’s not one he’d want Bode to use as a scapegoat to relapse.
While the two may have had a rocky relationship over the last few years, at the time of his death, Vince was proud of Bode and the man that he’s become. Bode needs to hold on to that and let it guide him moving forward.
Meanwhile, Jake continues his journey toward chief, putting on the best performance he can each day for Richards.
Making “Like a Wounded Wildebeest” an even more exciting outing is Jordan Calloway’s jump behind the camera, marking his directorial debut.
Here’s everything you need to know about this episode, including the air date, cast, promo, and how to watch.
- Title: “Like a Wounded Wildebeest”
- Air Date: Friday, November 7th, 2025
- Time: 9/8c
- Network: CBS
- Writer: Joe Hortua
- Director: Jordan Calloway
How to Watch Fire Country Season 4 Episode 4
- Live: CBS at 9/8c
- Streaming: Available next day on Paramount+
Fire Country Season 4 Episode 4 Description
Manny has a serious conversation with Bode about a troubling discovery, urging him to be honest and take responsibility.
Guest Stars & Returning Characters
- Main Cast: Max Thieriot, Kevin Alejandro, Jordan Calloway, Jules Latimer, Diane Farr, and Shawn Hatosy.
Promo & Photos
Check out the photos from Fire Country
