Getty Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell delivered a message about the team's 2023 plans with quarterback Hendon Hooker.
Detroit Lions quarterback Hendon Hooker already hinted earlier this week that he would be missing the early part of his rookie season, and the team made it official on Thursday.
The Lions announced on July 20 that Hooker would be placed on the Reserve/Non-Football Injury list as training camp approaches. As the NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported on Twitter, the move means that Hooker will be shut down for the immediate future, though could return at some point during the season.
“The #Lions placed rookie QB Hendon Hooker on the Reserve/Non-Football Injury list (NFI) to begin camp because of the torn ACL from college,” Rapoport tweeted. “He can be activated at any time.”
Hendon Hooker Focused on Recovery
The team’s decision was not seen as much of a surprise, as head coach Dan Campbell already said Hooker would be entering a “red shirt” season while recovering from the torn ACL that cut short his final season at Tennessee.
Hooker also said this week that he expects to follow the traditional timeline for an ACL recovery of nine to 10 months, which would put his return sometime after the start of the season. Hooker told the SEC Network (via On3) that he is progressing through rehab and gradually increasing the workload on his knee.
“Sitting in the chair, moving to one knee, dropping back and stagnant throws, now I’m able to put a lot more weight on my leg, getting my leg to accept the weight transfer,” Hooker said. “Just continue to stack days. Getting my body back used to moving around and throwing on the run, not putting my body in bad positions or developing bad habits while I’m trying to get back to where I want to be.”
Rookie #Lions QB Hendon Hooker getting some throws in after practice 👀
Campbell does not appear to be in a rush to get Hooker onto the field. The Lions coach told Chris Long on the Green Light Podcast that rehab was the first priority, and then Hooker will have the chance to develop slowly behind veteran quarterback Jared Goff.
“He’s got to get this leg right first and then he’ll learn under Jared (Goff), and then let’s see what happens,” Campbell said. “If he can eventually become your two or maybe down the road, later on, it’s more than that, but it’s going to be a long time.”
Rookie Quarterback Earned Praise
While Hooker was limited through the team’s spring practices, he made a strong early impression on the team and quarterbacks coach Mark Brunell. After the team went through OTAs in May, Brunell praised Hooker for his intelligence and work ethic.
“He’s a smart player. He’s put the time in,” Brunell said. “Obviously, he’s limited right now. Most important is him getting strong and healthy. I’m really pleased with him, as far as the meetings are concerned. We throw a bunch of questions at those rookies and try to put them in a tough spot. And, he always does a very good job. And, it’s very, very clear that he’s putting the time in. Which is really, it’s the mental side of it is really all he can do right now, as far as football is concerned. But, he’s done well.”