The Detroit Lions’ head coach, Dan Campbell, stated that rookie quarterback Hendon Hooker would return off injured reserve before the season’s end. On November 29, the rookie signal caller took another step toward that goal.
Hooker participated in full practice in the NFL for the first time as the Lions extended his 21-day return window. The 25-year-old told reporters afterwards that he couldn’t sleep the night before because he was so excited to come back on the field.
“It was a lot of fun. “It was a lot of fun,” Hooker told reporters about the exercise. “I just wanted to get back out there with the guys and compete.” It’s all about competing and winning ball.
“It just feels good to actually be a baller again.”
Hooker tore his left ACL and meniscus on November 19, 2022, while playing collegiate football for Tennessee. He has been on the non-football injury list for the whole season.
QB Hendon Hooker Returns to Lions Practice Field
Individual exercises have been conducted by Hooker. He couldn’t, however, practice with receivers or coaches before November 29.
Following his first session, the rookie quarterback discussed the distinction.
“It’s different when you’re moving around and have actual receivers instead of just a standing target,” Hooker told reporters. “It’s fun just to get out there, run through the plays and communicate with the guys and ask them what they’re seeing on the field.”
Hooker was having a solid senior season until he was injured in a game against South Carolina. Hooker finished his final college season with a 69.6% completion percentage, 9.5 yards per attempt, 27 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions in 11 games.
Hooker averaged 9.6 yards per pass with 58 touchdowns and only 5 interceptions in his last 24 college games.
Hooker was selected by the Lions in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft at No. 68 overall.
Expectations for Hooker the Rest of the 2023 Season
Hooker is unlikely to see game action behind quarterbacks Jared Goff and seasoned backup Teddy Bridgewater. On November 27, however, Campbell emphasized the need of Hooker returning to practice.
“Yeah, by rule, we can’t coach him, so that’s why,” Campbell explained if Hooker stayed on the non-football injury list. “I mean, we can have him in meetings, but he can’t be out there doing any fundamental work.” You simply have to sort of stand there.
Hooker is unlikely to see game action behind quarterbacks Jared Goff and seasoned backup Teddy Bridgewater. On November 27, however, Campbell emphasized the need of Hooker returning to practice.
“Yeah, by rule, we can’t coach him, so that’s why,” Campbell explained if Hooker stayed on the non-football injury list. “I mean, we can have him in meetings, but he can’t be out there doing any fundamental work.” You simply have to sort of stand there.
Hooker kept it simple when asked about his aims for the rest of the season. He stated that he wants to show the Lions defense that he belongs.
“I just want to improve.” 1% per day. Continue to stick to my game plan, ask questions, and improve.”
Dave Holcomb is a Heavy.com sports reporter who covers the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions. Holcomb, who is originally from Pittsburgh, has covered college and professional sports for publications such as Fansided, Rotowire, and Yardbarker. More information on Dave Holcomb
