Former Tennessee QB Hendon Hooker could miss Lions' second preseason game due to injury
Former Tennessee Vols quarterback Hendon Hooker had a solid NFL preseason debut for the Detroit Lions last week, but it came with a dose of bad news. Hooker, who is entering his second season with Detroit, completed five-of-nine passes for 36 yards against the New York Giants. He also picked up 34 rushing yards on […]
Former Tennessee Vols quarterback Hendon Hooker had a solid NFL preseason debut for the Detroit Lions last week, but it came with a dose of bad news.
Hooker, who is entering his second season with Detroit, completed five-of-nine passes for 36 yards against the New York Giants. He also picked up 34 rushing yards on four carries.
Unfortunately for Hooker (and the Lions), the former SEC offensive player of the year suffered a concussion in Detroit's loss to New York.
Lions head coach Dan Campbell told reporters on Sunday that Hooker is out indefinitely (until he clears concussion protocol) which puts his availability for Detroit's preseason game against the Kansas City Chiefs next Saturday in doubt.
"Yeah, honestly, we don't know where he's going to be, he's not going to be out there today," said Campbell on Sunday. "We probably won't have him tomorrow, and it's looking less like we'll have him in practice this week until Friday. We'll get him ready for the Chiefs and that's not a guarantee until you know, he obviously clears the concussion protocol then we're on hold with him."
The Lions are in a tough spot when it comes to Hooker. He obviously can't play until he clears the concussion protocol. But even if he manages to return quickly, Detroit will probably want to be cautious with the Greensboro, NC native.
At the same time, Hooker needs the reps in the preseason. The game against the Giants last week was the first time that Hooker had been in an actual game since late 2022 when he tore his ACL in Tennessee's loss to South Carolina in Columbia.
The Lions will likely err on the side of caution, but there's no doubt that they're eager to get Hooker some more live-game reps before the 2024 regular season gets underway.
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