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.
