Tag: Hendon Hooker

Dan Campbell likes what he sees from rookie QB Hendon Hooker

Hooker has already reminded Campbell of why the Lions were so excited to draft the rookie QB

The Detroit Lions welcomed rookie QB Hendon Hooker onto the practice field for the first time this week. Hooker is finally allowed to throw and get on-field coaching now that he’s designated to be activated from the NFI list.

Head coach Dan Campbell likes what he sees of his young quarterback in the first practices.

“Yeah, look it’s good to get him out there,” Campbell told reporters. “I know he’s excited to be able to feel like he’s now a part of the team from his own perspective. That’s hard when you’re limited to, ‘I’m in meetings and that’s about it. Then I go in rehab.’ So, I know he’s excited to be out there.

Campbell continued,

“And look, we’re just in the beginning stages of it, but he’s – you can see just when he throws the ball, why we acquired him. He’s got a poise about him and he’s got a really smooth delivery if you will, tight spiral. But he’s just starting. He’s just starting, but it’s good to get him out there.”

Hooker will remain on the NFI list through the weekend. He was officially ruled out on the team’s final injury reportteam’s final injury report, so Hooker has yet to be activated. That could change in the coming week.

No changes for Saints on Week 13 injury report, multiple Lions upgraded

No changes for Saints on Week 13 injury report, multiple Lions upgraded including starting guard Jonah Jackson and backup quarterback Hendon Hooker:

Let’s start with the good news: the New Orleans Saints did not downgrade any players on Thursday’s injury report, listing the same attendance and participation levels for everyone going into Week 13’s game with the Detroit Lions.

But they didn’t upgrade anyone, either. The Saints reported no changes for their five players who were held out of practice due to injuries. Starters including defensive end Cameron Jordan (ankle), free safety Marcus Maye (shoulder), and linebacker Pete Werner (shoulder/oblique) as well as wide receiver Rashid Shaheed (thigh) and running back Kendre Miller (ankle) were held out of practice again. Five other players were limited again, as was the case on Wednesday, including wide receiver Chris Olave (concussion protocol).

That’s not the case for Detroit. While Lions center Frank Ragnow (back/toe) was downgraded from full reps on Wednesday to non-participation on Thursday, four other players were upgraded to full work at practice after previously being limited: left guard Jonah Jackson (ankle/wrist), running back David Montgomery (foot), safety Tracy Walker (shoulder), and quarterback Hendon Hooker (knee), who has been designated to return from injured reserve. Starting linebacker Alex Anzalone (hand) was a non-participant again.

Here’s the full Week 13 injury report from both teams. Check back Friday for game status updates:

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Lions Week 13 injury update: Steps forward for Jonah Jackson, David Montgomery

Detroit got some good news on the injury front in Thursday’s practice ahead of the game against the New Orleans Saints

After an initial practice report on Wednesday with a few key pieces not participating in full, Thursday saw the Detroit Lions get a lot closer to full strength. In fact, only one player was not a full participant due to injury.

Linebacker Alex Anzalone continues to sit out with a hand/wrist injury. Head coach Dan Campbell indicated earlier this week that Anzalone is not expected to play in the Week 13 matchup in New Orleans against the Saints, Anzalone’s former team.

The only other player who was not a full participant was center Frank Ragnow, who took his customary veteran rest day on Thursday.

Running back David Montgomery (foot), left guard Jonah Jackson (wrist) and safety Tracy Walker (shoulder) all upgraded from limited on Wednesday to full participation on Thursday. Rookie QB Hendon Hooker was also listed as a full participant as he works to get activated from the NFI list.

That development bodes well for Jackson, Montgomery and Walker to all play in Week 13, barring any final setbacks on Friday.

Hendon Hooker takes part in first practice with Lions

Hendon Hooker takes part in first practice with the Lions.

Former Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker took part in his first practice with Detroit on Wednesday.

The Lions opened a 21-day practice window for Hooker.

Hooker suffered a season-ending ACL injury with the Vols on Nov. 19, 2022 at South Carolina.

“It’s been a year since I put on shoulder pads, so throwing with my shoulder pads, I have to get accustomed to again,” Hooker said.

Hooker was selected by Detroit in the third round (No. 68 overall) of the 2023 NFL draft.

He played for the Vols from 2021-22.

Hooker completed 435-of-632 passing attempts for 6,080 yards, 58 touchdowns and five interceptions, while rushing for 1,046 yards and 10 touchdowns in 24 games at Tennessee.

PHOTOS: A look at Hendon Hooker through the years

Lions have started QB Hendon Hooker’s window for activation

Lions have started QB Hendon Hooker’s window for activation

Hendon Hooker is on the clock to get back on the field. The Lions formally opened the activation window for the rookie quarterback to join the active roster.

The Lions now have 21 days to either activate Hooker from the non-football injury list or keep him on the shelf for the remainder of the season. Hooker is returning from a torn ACL, which he suffered while at Tennessee in November of 2022.

The third-round pick has not been able to practice with the team while on the NFI list. As head coach Dan Campbell indicated earlier this week, the idea of getting actual practice reps is very appealing to the Lions.

Alston Hooker enters NCAA transfer portal

Quarterback Alston Hooker enters the NCAA transfer portal.

North Carolina AT&T quarterback Alston Hooker announced he will enter the NCAA transfer portal.

“I’ve celebrated the Blue and Gold, screamed Aggie Pride and cherished the interlock of A&T my whole life,” Hooker announced. “It has been a dream come true to study engineering here and play on the field where my dad and uncle played. I’ve grown a lot during my tenure and I’m grateful for the time I’ve spent here. With that said I am entering the transfer portal with two years of eligibility to explore other opportunities. I am so thankful to the Aggie family for all the love and support you have shown me during my time on campus. To my teammates who selflessly wear the Aggie brand with pride I want to say thank you for the love and the laughs we had during my time here. I will miss you the most but know I am just leaving the house not the family.”

Hooker appeared in one game at North Carolina AT&T in 2023, completing 11-of-15 passing attempts for 159 yards and one touchdown.

He is the younger brother of former Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker.

Dan Campbell on activating rookie QB Hendon Hooker: ‘I think we will’

Hooker is not allowed to be coached or participate in practices until he’s activated.

It’s been over a calendar year since Hendon Hooker tore the ACL in his left knee while playing for the Tennessee Volunteers. The quarterback hasn’t been active on the practice field yet. But that could be changing soon for Hooker, Detroit’s third-round rookie.

On Monday, Lions head coach Dan Campbell was asked about the possibility of activating Hooker from the reserve/non-football injury list. Campbell enthusiastically indicated that it could happen as early as this week.

“Yeah, I mean I think we will. Brad (Holmes) and I talked about it last week. I just don’t want to sit here and tell you and then we don’t do it, and I lied to you. That’s all. I mean, I think we will, but we’ll see.”

Campbell explained why it’s important to activate Hooker to the active roster.

“Yeah, by rule we can’t coach him, so that’s why,” Campbell said. “I mean we can’t – we can have him in meetings, but he can’t be out there and going through any fundamental work. You’ve just got to kind of stand there. So, that’s where it helps, to be able to actually do individual work with him, have him take a snap. That’s why it’s big.

I mean it’d be nice to just do some of those things with him, but that’s why you’ve got to get him on the roster. Otherwise, rules don’t allow for him to do any of that.”

Hooker has been rehabbing the knee for months. The rookie has not made his injury progress public like many other players do, but as early as September, he was running and cutting at what appeared to be full-go with trainers.

The Lions have veteran Teddy Bridgewater behind starter Jared Goff, as well as David Blough on the practice squad. Activating Hooker wouldn’t be about playing him, but rather — as Campbell said — getting the rookie some legit practice reps and coaching.

Lions rookie grades at the midseason break

Heading into the second half the season, it is time to give out midseason grades for the Detroit Lions rookies

Entering the second half of the season, the Detroit Lions aim to maintain their impressive 6-2 start. Apart from a few minor setbacks, the Lions have demonstrated strength across the board, thanks to excellent coaching and standout performances from their core players. However, the talk of the town centers on the immediate impact made by the 2023 rookie class.

Initially, the Lions faced criticism for selecting players in positions that many thought didn’t align with their draft value. Yet, when all was said and done and the dust settled, the Lions emerged with a remarkable haul and are already reaping the benefits as they strive for a strong playoff push.

As we reach the midpoint of the season, it’s time to assess the performances of all the rookies thus far.

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Dan Campbell gives an update on rookie QB Hendon Hooker

Hooker is eligible to be activated but remains on the NFI list with his knee surgery

When the Detroit Lions drafted quarterback Hendon Hooker in the third round of the 2023 NFL draft, it was done with the expectation that Hooker would not be ready right away. The Tennessee QB was recovering from an ACL tear late in the college season, plus the Lions have an established Pro Bowl starter in Jared Goff.

Even so, Hooker’s recovery status and potential activation from the NFI list remains a popular discussion point. Head coach Dan Campbell was asked about Hooker and his potential timeline on Monday.

“We’re not there yet,” Campbell said of getting Hooker onto the active roster. “But he’s getting better.”

Hooker was throwing well and moving without much limitation during the preseason, working with trainers on getting himself ready. With Goff playing very well and veteran Teddy Bridgewater serving as a quality backup, there is no rush to get Hooker back in action.

Hendon Hooker reflects on Vols’ Summitt Blue accessories

VFL Hendon Hooker reflects on Tennessee football’s Summitt Blue accessories.

Tennessee football will honor former Lady Vols’ women’s basketball head coach Pat Summitt on Saturday versus UConn.

The Vols will wear Summitt Blue accessories for a second time.

Summitt Blue accessories debuted in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of Title IX. University of Tennessee athletics updated its brand standards and renamed the blue accent color historically associated with the Lady Vols to Summitt Blue.

Four teams (soccer, volleyball, women’s basketball, softball) debuted Summitt Blue uniforms during the 2022-23 academic year, part of the Summitt Legacy series.

PHOTOS: Pat Summitt through the years wearing blue

Tennessee football debuted Summitt Blue accessories versus UT Martin in 2022.

Quarterback Hendon Hooker completed 18-of-24 passing attempts for 276 yards and three touchdowns versus UT Martin.

Hooker discussed Tennessee football’s Summitt Blue accessories with Vols Wire.

“I love it,” Hooker said. “It is probably my favorite color way that we wear. It is cool to see them honoring such a great coach and such a great person, as well. It means a lot to Tennessee.”

Hooker’s entire conversation with Vols Wire, including his partnership with Bush’s Beans, can be read here.

Photo by Dan Harralson, Vols Wire