Hooker (coach's decision) is inactive for Saturday's divisional-round game against the Commanders, Tim Twentyman of the Lions' official site reports. 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 Bridgewater has taken over as second on the depth chart.
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Status
ACTIVELatest Hendon Hooker news
Other Lions Players
Team
Detroit Lions
Birthdate
1/13/1998 (27)
Status
Active
HT/WT
6'3", 220 lbs
Draft Info
2023: Rd 3; Pk (DET)
Birthplace
Greensboro, NC, USA
Position
QB
College
Tennessee
Experience
2 seasons
Career History
Detroit Lions
2023-Present
(2 seasons)
Hooker (coach's decision) is inactive for Saturday's divisional-round game against the Commanders, Tim Twentyman of the Lions' official site reports. 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 Bridgewater has taken over as second on the depth chart.
Hooker looks to have won the No. 2 QB job following Nate Sudfeld's release Tuesday morning, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports. The Lions could try to bring Sudfeld back after cutdown day as either a member of the 53-man roster or practice squad, but the willingness to risk losing him hints at Hooker moving up on the depth chart. While Sudfeld worked ahead of Hooker throughout the preseason, Hooker ultimately performed at a higher level, completing 29 of 44 passes (65.9 percent) for 300 yards, one touchdown and one interception, with 19 carries for 138 yards and another score. His impressive rushing stats suggest the 2023 third-round pick would at least have value in two-QB and superflex leagues if he got a chance to fill in for an injured Jared Goff this season. Hooker might even be useful in one-QB formats, combining mobility with superb team context under offensive coordinator Ben Johnson.
Hooker completed 12 of 20 passes for 114 yards, one touchdown and one interception in Saturday's 24-17 preseason win over the Steelers. Hooker drew the start with neither Jared Goff nor Nate Sudfeld in action. He unsurprisingly struggled in the early series during which the Steelers' played some of their starters, but he did rebound to lead a 12-play, 72-yard touchdown drive just before halftime which concluded with a two-yard touchdown pass. Hooker looks to have the third quarterback position in his grasp heading into the regular season.
Head coach Dan Campbell stated Tuesday that he'd like Hooker to start Saturday against the Steelers, Eric Woodyard of ESPN.com reports. Hooker is currently in a battle with Nate Sufeld for the backup quarterback job behind Jared Goff. The second-year pro was arguably the better performer in the Lions' win over the Chiefs last Saturday, completing 12 of 15 passes for 150 yards while he also rushed for a touchdown.
Hooker completed 12 of 15 pass attempts for 150 yards in Saturday's preseason game against Kansas City while running for 11 yards and one touchdown on five attempts. Hooker has overcome the concussion he suffered Aug. 8 and was able to play the entire second half Saturday after Nate Sudfeld handled the first. The 2023 third-round pick out of Tennessee presumably figures into Detroit's roster plans through at least the 2024 season, but the competition with Sudfeld for the QB2 role behind Jared Goff might be ongoing. The two quarterbacks had comparable overall performances Saturday, but Hooker's 80.0 percent completion rate was markedly more efficient than Sudfeld's 51.9 percent figure.
Coach Dan Campbell said Wednesday that Hooker (concussion) has "a good chance to play" in Saturday's preseason contest against the Chiefs, Tim Twentyman of the Lions' official site reports. Hooker suffered a concussion during Detroit's preseason opener, but he looks to be on track for a return during the team's second exhibition context. The 2023 third-round pick, who didn't log any game reps as a rookie, completed 5 of 9 pass attempts for 39 yards versus the Giants last week. He also rushed four times for 39 yards but suffered the head injury due to a hit while scrambling. Nate Sudfeld started versus New York and appears to currently be in the lead for the backup spot behind Jared Goff, but Hooker still has time to impress before Detroit's regular-season opener against the Rams on September 8.
Hooker suffered a concussion during Thursday's 14-3 preseason loss to the Giants, per coach Dan Campbell, Kyle Meinke of MLive.com reports. Hooker played the first two drives of the second half, completing five of nine passes for 36 yards and adding four rushing attempts for 34 yards before heading to the medical tent to be evaluated for a concussion. Those tests revealed a concussion, which will likely keep Hooker from suiting up in Detroit's next preseason game against the Chiefs next Saturday. Nate Sudfeld started Thursday's game, suggesting that Sudfeld is currently ahead of Hooker in the competition to back up Jared Goff. While Sudfeld struggled Thursday, Hooker will be unable to make up ground until he clears the NFL's concussion protocol.
For the first time in his young NFL career, Hooker finally appears to be near full strength ahead of Week 13. Jared Goff seems to have the starting role under firm control despite cooling off after last season, and Teddy Bridgewater profiles as a capable backup, so it would still be surprising to see Hooker check in at any point this year except possibly to put a bow on a blowout.
The rookie quarterback is now eligible to practice, with the Lions having a 21-day window to place him on the active roster before he defaults back to the NFI list for the remainder of the season. Hooker suffered an ACL tear last November during his final collegiate season at Tennessee, which resulted in him dropping out of the first-round discussion before the Lions selected him early in the third round at No. 68 overall. He isn't likely to play this season given that Jared Goff and Teddy Bridgewater both are healthy, but the Lions are keeping the door open for Hooker to return to the roster if his knee responds well to practice activity.