For the Detroit Lions, the 2025 NFL Hall of Fame Game was less about the scoreboard and more about spotlighting the players fighting for jobs, roles and relevance.
Still, after a 34-7 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers in Canton, Ohio – Detroit is left sorting through a mess of early turnovers and looming questions about its depth chart.
The night began with what was a surprise to many fans as linebacker Grant Stuard returned the opening kickoff, which he fumbled — a mistake that set the tone for a game defined by miscues. Stuard, to his credit, rebounded with a strong defensive performance, but his early blunder may have dented his case to be trusted as a return man.
Under center, veteran backup Kyle Allen was uninspiring. Though he completed nine of 14 passes and showed good rhythm at times, he also threw two interceptions, including a costly one in the end zone.
Allen left the door open for Hendon Hooker to cement himself as the favorite for the backup role, but the second-year quarterback struggled to command the offense. He finished with a pick of his own, albeit a well-placed ball to Dominic Lovett that the defender wrestled away.
The main concern was that Hooker looked to make magic happen outside of structure, rather than progressing through reads. With little help from the third-team offensive line, Hooker seemed to have more trust in his ability to put his head down and break tackles than in his connection with the receivers when he was under duress.
The backup quarterback will be running an offense designed for Jared Goff, who is a maestro within structure, so if Hooker wants the job, he’ll have to rely more on his timing and the performance within the play design.
The performances muddy the picture behind Jared Goff, as Hooker doesn’t look comfortable in the Lions’ offense and Allen’s experience continues to be offset by his inconsistent ball security.
There were flashes of promise, however.
Lovett, despite the interception on his target, made a strong case for himself. The rookie wideout led all Lions receivers with five catches and appeared to be the most trusted target on the field; he also contributed with a couple nice punt returns.
A drop on the game’s first passing play was a costly blemish, but Lovett seemed to be open on every route he ran, showing his potential value as a rotational slot option.
Fellow rookie wideout Isaac TeSlaa was perhaps the most exciting Lion on the day. He flashed with two receptions for 46 yards on one possession, and he demonstrated excellent special teams play, especially in punt coverage.
Detroit’s lone score came courtesy of Craig Reynolds, who pounded it in from three yards out. Reynolds also had a 13-yard run, but otherwise struggled behind shaky offensive line play. Reynolds’ roster spot seems secure, but the Lions might be waiting for a more exciting backup to emerge behind stars Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery.
Defensively, the Lions had a few standouts amid the lopsided final score.
Stuard had command of the defense and flew around the field, tallying two tackles for loss and a sack.
Rock Ya-Sin, a free-agent corner addition, made a statement with several tough tackles in space — including a notable stop near the goal line that prevented a touchdown. His physical style may earn him a key rotational role, especially if Detroit leans on nickel and dime packages more than they did under former defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn.
Rookie safety Ian Kennelly had a highlight-reel tackle in the second half that may earn him a WWE tryout if things don’t work out with the Lions. While still raw, plays like that could earn him a longer look as the team finalizes its safety depth.
The loss itself is unlikely to haunt the Lions — the Hall of Fame Game is rarely about results — but the performance raised familiar concerns about ball security, backup quarterback reliability and depth at the skill positions.
There were bright spots: young receivers stepping up, defensive depth showing aggression and fringe players making their case. The second and third units’ first live reps of the preseason showed that Detroit will have to stay healthier than they did a season ago if they wish to go the distance.
With three preseason games to go, the Lions’ coaching staff can expect to pile up some game tape to evaluate roster decisions — and plenty of tough decisions to make with it.
