When the Detroit Lions selected Tennessee QB Hendon Hooker in the third round of the 2023 NFL draft, it was done with the knowledge that Hooker might not be ready to play right away. He had surgery in December to repair a torn ACL, after all, and immediately began his Lions career on the non-football injury (NFI) list once he was eligible to be added.
Hooker has looked very strong in his post-practice workouts in both throwing the ball and with his mobility. Under the watchful eye of trainers, Hooker has done considerable activity (jumping backward down the hill on the practice field as an example) that makes it look like he’s ready to roll. However, that’s not something Lions head coach Dan Campbell has really considered just yet.
Campbell was asked before Thursday’s practice if Hooker might be activated before the start of the regular season.
“Yeah, honestly, we have not even talked about Hooker in those regards. It’s been more about, let’s get him back,” Campbell said.
He then indicated that the team is very pleased with Hooker’s work with QB coach Mark Brunell and assistant coach J.T. Barrett in doing whatever he can to prepare despite being injured. However, the idea and timing of activating Hooker is not something that Campbell or Lions GM Brad Holmes have gone over in the roster construction process just yet.
“And then everything else, his rehab, he just continues to come along and get better, but honestly, Brad (Holmes) and I haven’t even discussed him at this point. Once we start hearing from (Lions Director of Player Health & Performance Brett Fischer) Fisch and those guys like, ‘Hey, this guy’s coming on,’ we get the, ‘OK, you guys may have a decision to make sooner than later,’ then we’re not even going to worry about it right now.”
That would indicate the idea that Campbell is under the impression Hooker will remain on the NFI list into the regular season. If that’s what happens, the rookie will miss at least the first four weeks.
Now that the Lions have added veteran Teddy Bridgewater as a backup to Jared Goff, the urgency to get Hooker ready and on the active roster is further diminished. Nate Sudfeld remains on the roster, as does undrafted rookie Adrian Martinez, so there is no impetus to rush Hooker into action in the exhibition season.
