Dan Campbell sends out clear message on Hendon Hooker's future with Teddy Bridgewater coming in

Teddy Bridgewater is back in the NFL. After announcing his plans to make a comeback following his retirement at the end of last season, Bridgewater was signed by the Detroit Lions on Thursday.

Bridgewater retired after 10 seasons and last played for the Lions. He coached his alma mater, Northwestern High School in Florida, and helped the team to a 12-2 record and a state championship.

Second year quarterback Hendon Hooker is Jared Goff's backup. The Lions only carry two QBs on their active roster, with some now questioning Hooker's role.

Detroit coach Dan Campbell spoke to the media on Thursday and said that Hooker will still be a part of the team, but felt it was right to sign Bridgewater.

"This does not mean that that Hooker is out," Campbell said. "That's not what this means if it comes to that Hooker is going to play for us, but Teddy probably will too. So, you know, I understand what it what it looks like, but it's just a different world that we're getting ready to walk into. And I just we felt like this is the right thing to do."

The move makes sense for several reasons. The Lions are one of the most injured teams in the NFL this season, as many key players got hurt. They may be fearful that an injury could happen to Goff.

With the playoffs starting in a few weeks, the Lions likely want additional insurance during the most important time of the campaign.

How many playoff games has Teddy Bridgewater played in?

Teddy Bridgewater during Detroit Lions v Baltimore Ravens - Source: Getty

Before this season, Teddy Bridgewater played for six NFL teams. In his career, he has only played one playoff game.

Bridgewater made the postseason in his second season after going 11-5 with the Minnesota Vikings in 2015. He went 17 of 24 for 146 yards against the Seattle Seahawks in a 10-9 loss. Bridgewater was also named a Pro Bowler that year.

He left the Vikings in 2017 and played for five different teams in the next six seasons before retiring in 2023.

With the Lions bringing Bridgewater back, he could back up Goff in the postseason. If Goff were to get hurt, it would be the first time in nearly 10 years that he would see action in the playoffs.