A former Detroit Lions quarterback had a chance to finish out his season on an active roster, a continuation of his winding journey through the NFL.
Former third-round quarterback Hendon Hooker was released at the end of training camp, losing out on a battle to back up Jared Goff. He spent time with two different NFL seasons after leaving Detroit, with a host of injuries giving him the chance to end the season on an active roster.
Hendon Hooker Signs Before Season Ends
The New York Jets announced on Saturday that they signed Hooker to the active roster from the practice squad. The team had first signed Hooker to their practice squad on Dec. 18 and elevated him for their Week 17 game, giving the team some added insurance after an injury to veteran Tyrod Taylor.
It marked the first time that Hooker was on an active NFL roster since leaving Detroit. The move reunited Hooker with Aaron Glenn, the former defensive coordinator with the Lions who took over as head coach of the Jets.
Glenn said the team needed Hooker for insurance, just as they had done by signing another former Lions quarterback the previous week.
“Just in case,” Glenn said when asked why the team signed Hooker.
“We always want to make sure that we are prepared. Same thing when we brought Adrian [Martinez] in last week. If both quarterbacks didn’t have a chance of actually making it, we still got somebody that we have in the hole. Plus, he is a good player. I had him in Detroit, and if you watch him, look at his stats, you look at the way he throws the ball — he is a talent. The thing that we want to do is try to make sure that we develop that talent. Anytime that we can add good players to our team, we are going to do that.”
Hooker initially joined the Carolina Panthers after failing to make Detroit’s roster, landing on their practice squad until he was released in November.
Hooker appeared in three games for the Lions last season, going in during garbage time and completing 6-of-9 passes for 58 yards.
The Jets ended the season by giving undrafted rookie quarterback Brady Cook an extended look. He completed 11-of-22 passes in the team’s season finale against the Buffalo Bills, throwing one touchdown in the 35-8 loss. Hooker did not see any action in the game.
Lions Hope to Carry Momentum From Final Win
Though the Lions fell short of the playoffs this year, breaking their two-year streak of NFC North titles, quarterback Jared Goff said he hopes they can carry some momentum from a season finale win over the Chicago Bears into the offseason.
Ex-Lions QB Made Big Move for Season Finale