Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell said this summer that rookie quarterback Hendon Hooker would be going through a “red shirt” season as he recovered from a torn ACL, but it now appears the Lions will get a look at him before the end of the season.
Speaking to reporters on November 27, Campbell addressed Hooker’s once uncertain future, saying he would likely be activated at some point this season. Hooker’s final season at Tennessee was cut short by a torn ACL, and Campbell had previously tempered enthusiasm about him playing at all during his rookie season.
Now, with starting quarterback Jared Goff struggling through a rough stretch, the Lions could add another signal caller to the mix.
Lions Expect to Activate Hendon Hooker
Campbell was asked on Monday about the immediate plans for Hooker, who is eligible to return from the reserve/non-football injury list. Campbell hinted that not only would Hooker be activated, but it could come as soon as this week.
“Yeah, I mean I think we will. Brad (Holmes) and I talked about it last week,” Campbell said, via USA Today’s Lions Wire. “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.”
Keeping Hooker on the reserve list puts the team at a major disadvantage, Campbell explained. Once activated, he would not only be able to attend meetings but could also work one-on-one with coaches, which is currently prohibited.
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