The Detroit Lions took action on Wednesday to strengthen their quarterback lineup by allowing quarterback Hendon Hooker to enter the practice window, according to information from NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. Hooker, chosen by the Lions in the third round of the 2023 NFL draft, had been sidelined with a torn ACL since November during his time at Tennessee. As a result, he started the season on the Non-Football Injury list. The Lions now have a 21-day period to activate Hooker onto the active roster.
More QB news: The #Lions have opened the practice window for QB Hendon Hooker, who is coming back from a torn ACL.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 29, 2023
Hendon Hooker, selected as the 68th overall pick by the Lions in the 2022 draft, had impressive performances in his final two college seasons with the Tennessee Volunteers. Standing at six feet four inches, the quarterback threw 58 touchdowns with just five interceptions and boasted a completion rate of 69%. He even garnered Heisman Trophy Award votes in 2022. Unfortunately, his season was cut short last November when he tore his ACL during a game against the South Carolina Gamecocks, despite throwing three touchdowns before exiting.
In terms of the Detroit Lions’ quarterback depth chart, Hendon Hooker is set to be positioned behind Jared Goff and Teddy Bridgewater. Bridgewater, having signed a one-year, $3 million contract with the team in August, is the clear backup. The former Pro Bowler has accumulated 75 touchdowns and 47 interceptions in his nine-year NFL career.
Meanwhile, Jared Goff, considered one of the top quarterbacks in the NFC, has had a solid performance in the 2023 season with 3,075 yards, 18 touchdowns, and eight interceptions in 11 games. Goff, who earned a Pro Bowl nod in 2022, joined the Detroit Lions in 2021 after spending five seasons with the Los Angeles Rams. Hendon Hooker would move up the depth chart if either Goff or Bridgewater were unable to play.
