DETROIT — In a significant decision, the Detroit Lions opted for experienced quarterback Teddy Bridgewater to serve as the backup to Jared Goff for their playoff clash against the Washington Commanders on Saturday night, sidelining Hendon Hooker to emergency status.

Bridgewater, who is 32 years old, was signed by the Lions last month after he successfully led Miami Northwestern High School to a state championship in Florida’s Class 3A. During the 2023 season, he had limited action as Goff’s backup but remained the team’s preferred choice for the postseason.

The quarterback, originally selected in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings, boasts 65 starts in his career across stints with the Vikings, New Orleans Saints, Carolina Panthers, Denver Broncos, and Miami Dolphins.

On the other hand, Hooker, now in his second year, completed 6 of 9 passes for a total of 62 yards in his limited appearances this season as Goff’s alternate.

For the Commanders, tight end Colson Yankoff has been activated from injured reserve after recovering from a hamstring injury. Moreover, linebacker Mykal Walker, who faced illness issues earlier in the week, has also been cleared to play.

Washington has additionally elevated defensive end Andre Jones Jr. and cornerback Kevon Seymour from their practice squad, while reserve rookie linebacker Jordan Magee has been officially ruled out due to a hamstring injury.

On the injury front for the Lions, rookie cornerback Ennis Rakestraw has been ruled out after grappling with a hamstring issue and illness. Moreover, they have confirmed the absence of starting right guard Kevin Zeitler, who exited the final regular-season game owing to a hamstring injury, along with reserve defensive lineman Pat O’Connor, who is dealing with a calf problem.

To bolster their lineup, Detroit promoted defensive lineman Chris Smith and cornerback Stantley Thomas-Oliver from the practice squad ahead of the crucial playoff game.