The Lions just received an easy solution to their Hendon Hooker problem
The Detroit Lions received a solution this week to a Hendon Hooker problem that wasn't previously getting much attention. Hooker, a third-round selection out of Tennessee by the Lions in the 2023 NFL Draft, suffered a torn ACL last November in a loss to South Carolina. As a result of the torn ACL, Hooker is […]
The Detroit Lions received a solution this week to a Hendon Hooker problem that wasn't previously getting much attention.
Hooker, a third-round selection out of Tennessee by the Lions in the 2023 NFL Draft, suffered a torn ACL last November in a loss to South Carolina.
As a result of the torn ACL, Hooker is expected to "redshirt" for Detroit (per Lions head coach Dan Campbell) in 2023 as he learns the offense and continues his recovery.
Since the plan for Hooker is to take it easy in 2023, it means that Nate Sudfeld will likely serve as the Lions' No. 2 quarterback (perhaps that changes later in the season when Hooker is completely healed).
Prior to this week, that would've meant that Hooker would need to be active on game days as the Lions' No. 3 quarterback because there's no way Detroit would be able to stash the former Vol on their practice squad. And that would mean one less active player at another position for the Lions on game day.
A new NFL rule that was passed this week, however, will allow Hooker to dress out as the emergency quarterback (since he's on the 53-man roster) without counting against the active game day roster. This new rule will provide the Lions with some flexibility at the quarterback position this fall.
Detroit could also utilize the P.U.P. list with Hooker, but that would prevent the former SEC Offensive Player of the Year from practicing. And considering development is the key objective for Hooker in 2023, I'm guessing that Detroit wants the rookie on the practice field as often as possible.
If the Lions place Hooker on the P.U.P. list to start the season, he'd have to miss at least the first four regular season games of the year. Hooker wouldn't be able to practice until after those first four games. The Lions might decide against the path since it would limit valuable practice reps for Hooker.
The new NFL rule will make it easier to carry Hooker on the active roster and avoid putting him on the P.U.P. list. That means there's one less thing to worry about for the Lions this fall.
