Report suggests it could be a little while before fans see QB Hendon Hooker in action
It cold be a little while before Tennessee Vols fans get to see quarterback Hendon Hooker in action on the gridiron. Hooker, who was selected in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions, is still recovering from the torn ACL he suffered in Tennessee's loss to South Carolina last November. […]
It cold be a little while before Tennessee Vols fans get to see quarterback Hendon Hooker in action on the gridiron.
Hooker, who was selected in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions, is still recovering from the torn ACL he suffered in Tennessee's loss to South Carolina last November.
The former Vol appears to be moving along well in his recovery — he recently threw routes to wide receivers for the first time since his injury — but that doesn't mean Detroit feels comfortable activating Hooker for the start of the season.
In fact, USA Today's Jeff Risdon said earlier this month that Hooker projects to start the season on the NFI list.
From USA TODAY: Rookie Hendon Hooker isn’t going anywhere. However, even though he’s looking good in his progress from knee surgery, it still seems unlikely he begins the regular season on the active roster. Instead, Hooker projects to start on the non-football injury list. That opens up a roster spot elsewhere and buys more recovery time for Hooker. Sudfeld’s growing mastery of the offense helps facilitate stashing Hooker instead of rushing him into readiness.
If Hooker is placed on the NFI (non-football injury) list, he won't be able to return to action until after Week Four of the regular season.
Nate Sudfeld is expected to start the season as Jared Goff's backup. So there's no reason to rush Hooker, who is still learning the Lions' offense, into action. This is the right move (if it happens as Risdon expects) by Detroit.
Featured image via Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK
