When the Detroit Lions released their list of inactives ahead of the playoff game against the Washington Commanders on Saturday night, quarterback Hendon Hooker was on the list. Here's why the Lions opted to go in a different direction for their backup quarterback behind Jared Goff.

The Lions will have a new backup quarterback behind Jared Goff for their playoff game vs. Washington. Hendon Hooker was listed as inactive as the emergency third quarterback against the Commanders, which means veteran Teddy Bridgewater, who came out of retirement just a few weeks ago to sign with the Lions, will backup Goff.

Jared Goff is now in his fourth season with the Lions, and he now has his best shot at a Super Bowl title since 2018. It's been nearly four years since the Rams and Lions swapped quarterbacks, with Matthew Stafford being sent to Los Angeles and Goff to Detroit.

Teddy Bridgewater is in his 2nd stint with the Detroit Lions as Jared Goff's backup, having retired after the 2023 season and re-signing late in 2024.

Hooker operated as the backup to Jared Goff for the entire season, though he'll serve as the emergency quarterback in the Lions' playoff opener. Teddy Bridgwater has taken over as second on the depth chart. CBS Sports is a registered trademark of CBS Broadcasting Inc. Commissioner.com is a registered trademark of CBS Interactive Inc.

Hendon Hooker is inactive as the team's emergency third quarterback for the divisional-round game against the Commanders.

The Detroit Lions have chosen veteran quarterback Teddy Bridgewater over Hendon Hooker to back up Jared Goff against the Washington Commanders.

The Detroit Lions officially announced their list of inactive players for Saturday's game against the Washington Commanders. Among the players whom the Lions deemed inactive for Sunday's game are Kevin Zeitler, Pat O'Connor, Giovanni Manu, Colby Sorsdal, Brodric Martin, Hendon Hooker and Mitchell Agude.

The Detroit Lions are set to take on the Washington Commanders in the Divisional Round of the NFL playoffs. After a first-round bye, the Lions will take on a Commanders team led by rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels. With an assortment of talent around him, Daniels poses a threat to the Lions' defense.

Goff is under evaluation for a concussion during Saturday's divisional-round game against the Commanders. After committing his second turnover of the contest in the second quarter, Goff took a big hit on Quan Martin's interception return for a touchdown and made his way slowly to the sideline.

SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Hendon Hooker is still the Detroit Lions' No. 2 quarterback. For now, at least. Hooker is active as the backup quarterback behind Jared Goff for the Lions' game tonight ...

The Lions signed Teddy Bridgewater to their 53-man roster late in the regular season because they liked the idea of having a quarterback with his experience on hand during the playoffs.