Heading into the 2023 NFL Draft, the Detroit Lions were a popular pick to select a quarterback with one of their two first-round picks. The Lions didn’t do that, giving Jared Goff a sign of confidence instead. Yet, that moment didn’t last long.
On the second day of April’s NFL Draft, the Lions selected Hendon Hooker with the 68th overall pick. Before the season began, Hooker was placed on the league’s non-football injury list only because he’s still recovering from the ACL tear he suffered in Tennessee’s late-season loss to South Carolina.
Hooker has yet to come off Detroit’s injured list, but missing a large chunk of the early portion of the season was always expected for the 25-year-old rookie. With the Lions at 4-1 with Goff performing as one of the best QBs in football, no one will be calling for Hooker to take over any time soon.
Yet, coach Dan Campbell still addressed the first-year QB’s status during Friday’s media session.
“Certainly there’s no setback, he’s doing well.”
Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell on Hendon Hooker’s injury status
Coach Campbell said he’s “hopeful” Hooker will be able to resume football activity at some point this season, but he did not provide an updated timetable on the QB’s return. But again, this was always the expectation for anyone who selected Hooker, the Lions just happen to be in a situation where they can afford to be as patient as they need to be with their developmental prospect.
Goff is under contract through the 2024 season, and if he continues to lead one of the NFL’s best offenses, chances are he’ll be negotiating a new contract during the offseason. Hooker is under contract through 2026, and the Lions also have Teddy Bridgewater signed to a one-year contract, giving this team one of the deepest QB rooms in the NFL.
Related: See where Jared Goff lands in Sportsnaut’s NFL QB rankings