Hendon Hooker, the Detroit Lions’ rookie quarterback, was activated off the Reserve/NFI list on Tuesday afternoon, officially bringing the great collegiate QB to the active roster. Hooker’s practice window was opened by the Lions on November 29.
Hooker was one of the top quarterbacks in college football last season until injuring his ACL in Tennessee’s final regular-season game. Tennessee was two wins away from a CFP berth before falling to South Carolina and losing Hooker for the season in one fell swoop.
To create room, the Detroit Lions dismissed kicker Riley Patterson, who was inactive against the Denver Broncos due to a coaching decision.
Could Hendon Hooker Play for the Detroit Lions Anytime Soon?
Hooker is a top-20 quarterback prospect in the 2023 draft. For starters, he hasn’t played in almost a year and is nearly 26 years old. For another, his dual threat abilities and downfield accuracy could be just what the Detroit Lions need when their attack slows slightly in the last games of the regular season.
Hooker should start as soon as possible, according to several Lions fans on social media. But, absent a major collapse from Goff, that’s exceedingly improbable for this season. Alternatively, injury. Goff did, after all, just throw for 5 touchdowns in a terrific comeback victory over the previously surging Denver Broncos.
But, just for fun, let’s play devil’s advocate. Hooker’s dual-threat skill may flourish in an attack that includes Jahmyr Gibbs, David Montgomery, and Amon-Ra St. Brown, especially when the Lions’ offensive line regains health.
