Hendon Hooker Injury History & Analysis

The Lions are signing QB Teddy Bridgewater, according to multiple reports. Bridgewater figures to back up Jared Goff. The timing of his addition could signal that Detroit wanted to see if rookie QB Hendon Hooker or journeyman Nate Sudfeld could fill that role. Bridgewater would likely be Goff with a lower floor and ceiling if pressed into duty. He went 49 of 79 passing with the Dolphins last year, averaging a career-high 8.6 yards per pass attempt. But Bridgewater sports just a 3.6% TD rate and 7.3 yards per attempt for his career. He'll turn 31 in November.

Lions QB Hendon Hooker has been placed on the active/Non-Football Injury list. No surprise as he continues to work back from November's torn ACL. This figures to be a redshirt rookie season for Hooker, who is only worth rostering in keeper and dynasty leagues.

Lions QB coach Mark Brunell gave a progress update on rookie Hendon Hooker. Hooker recently said he’s “progressing really well” in his left ACL rehab. "If he didn't have [a great work ethic], he wouldn't be here. He's a smart player, puts the time in. The most important thing is him getting strong and healthy," Brunell told The Detroit News. "But I'm really pleased with him. As far as the meetings are concerned, we throw a bunch of questions at those rookies and try to put them in a tough spot. And he always does a very good job, and it's very clear that he's putting the time in." Hooker remains a dynasty stash.

Lions QB Hendon Hooker is “expected” to start training camp on the non-football injury list, per Dave Birkett of The Detroit Free Press. Birkett expects a midseason return, which would put the 25-year-old ~11.5 months out from his November ACL tear. Sitting behind Jared Goff, our dynasty QB rankings show Hooker's just a stash.

The Lions selected Tennessee QB Hendon Hooker in Round 2 of the 2023 NFL Draft. Hooker transferred from Virginia Tech to Tennessee ahead of the 2021 season. The following two years proved highly productive in HC Josh Heupel’s spread system. Across 14 games, Hooker tallied 6,080 yards, 58 TDs, and only 5 INTs. Boasting plus mobility and ample arm talent, Hooker’s negatives are rather striking. He’ll be a 25-year-old rookie. And he’s coming off a November 19 ACL tear. There’s a chance Hooker plays late in the 2023 season, but his fantasy value is most likely to kick in for 2024. Landing in Round 3 indicates the league doesn't view him as a sure future starter. Going to the Lions means Hooker will have time to move past the ACL tear and develop behind Jared Goff. We're not excited about the dynasty outlook for Hooker, but he has a spot in superflex rookie drafts. Check out Hooker's spot in our dynasty QB rankings.