Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell addresses the media after an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens, Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Hendon Hooker, the rookie quarterback for the Detroit Lions, is expected to begin practicing this week.
For the second straight practice on Thursday, the Detroit Lions’ starting offensive line was on the field, but head coach Dan Campbell wasn’t prepared to guarantee that it would remain that way for the game on Saturday.
For Saturday’s game against the Denver Broncos, the Lions have listed left tackle Taylor Decker and center Frank Ragnow as questionable.
Due to a left knee injury, Ragnow was unable to play in the Chicago Bears game last week, and Decker’s sore back was the reason he was listed as not participating in Tuesday’s estimated practice report. Over the past two days, Decker has limited his practice time.
“Hopefully, the entire unit is together, but I won’t find out until after today,” Campbell remarked. “Hey, Frank is going to be practicing.” He has been working, but we just need to make sure that there isn’t a flare-up, irritation, or anything similar happening. Thus, I’m not sure yet, but he seems to be doing OK.”
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This season, the offensive line combinations starting for the Lions (9-4) have been nine different. Decker missed two games due to a high ankle sprain, Jonah Jackson, the left guard, missed time due to wrist and ankle injuries, and Ragnow also missed one game earlier this season due to a calf injury.
The Lions also ruled out quarterback Hendon Hooker (knee), defensive tackle Benito Jones (neck), and receiver Josh Reynolds (back) in addition to Rangow and Decker.
At the Detroit Lions headquarters and training facility in Allen Park on Wednesday, August 9, 2023, quarterback Hendon Hooker of the Detroit Lions observes practice during the joint practice with the New York Giants.
The Lions intend to activate Hooker, a third-round selection out of Tennessee who is recuperating from a college knee injury, to the 53-man roster the following week. Hooker is currently on the non-football injury list.
According to Campbell, Hooker needs to get practice reps and fundamental work this season.
Campbell explained, “We can’t coach him by rules, so that’s why.” “He can attend meetings, but he can’t be working outside or doing any basic tasks; he can only kind of stand there. That’s why being able to work one-on-one with him is beneficial. Make him snap a picture. It’s large because of this.
Hooker won’t be able to do much for the Lions in the final six weeks of the regular season or in the postseason.
Teddy Bridgewater will remain the Lions’ backup quarterback behind starting quarterback Jared Goff following Hooker’s addition to the 53-man roster. Veteran David Blough, the number three quarterback, is currently practicing with the squad.
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On Wednesday, June 7, 2023, at Allen Park’s minicamp, Lions quarterback Hendon Hooker, right, shakes hands with wide receiver Jameson Williams.
Blough’s and Bridgewater’s contracts are about to expire. Under contract through 2026, Hooker is anticipated to contend for the backup position the following season. His performance over the course of the next six weeks or more should provide him with an advantage in the competition and give the Lions insight into his developmental status.
“Just being able to do some of those things with him would be nice,” Campbell remarked. “Rules prohibit him from doing any of that, which is why you need to get him on the roster.”
