Lions head coach Dan Campbell dropped into longtime NFL defensive end Chris Long’s podcast this week. In his appearance on Long’s “Green Light with Chris Long” show, Detroit’s head man reinforced that the team does not expect third-round rookie QB Hendon Hooker on the field in 2023.
“This really is just a redshirt year for him,” Campbell said. “He’s got to get this leg right first; then he’ll learn under Jared (starting QB Goff) and let’s see what happens, you know? If he can eventually become your (backup), or maybe down the road later on it’s more than that. But it’s going to be a long time.”
Hooker had surgery to repair a torn ACL on December 13th after injuring the knee in his final game at Tennessee. While Hooker’s rehab is progressing nicely, it’s clear the Lions are not in any hurry to get him on the field.
Campbell also didn’t have any issue with Hooker already being 25, which is 2-3 years older than a typical rookie.
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“He’s very mature, he looks the part, he’s got a big arm,” Campbell told Long. “He’s just got to learn to play in the NFL. But he’s a pro, now, and I like the fact that he was older. We all kind of liked the fact that he was older. I think you want your quarterback to be a little bit more mature. They’ve got a lot on their plate.”
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