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New Detroit Lions QB Won’t Play At All This Year

By Anne Erickson
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - SEPTEMBER 18: D'Andre Swift #32 of the Detroit Lions celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Washington Commanders during the third quarter at Ford Field on September 18, 2022 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)

The Detroit Lions have a sturdy starting quarterback in Jared Goff. Now, they finally have a backup of sorts to Goff and possibly someone who could take over years down the line.

That guy is Hendon Hooker, who the Lions drafted in the third round. But, don’t run out and buy that Hooker jersey just yet. This situation is a bit complicated.

Here’s the scoop on Hooker, who is getting tons of positive buzz right now, and why you won’t see him on the field for a quite a while.

  • Why Hendon Hooker won't play for at least a year

    New Detroit Lion Hendon Hooker is currently rehabbing from a torn anterior cruciate ligament. Because of that injury, he’s not likely to play this season. But, Lions coach Dan Campbell says that’s all part of the plan.

    “Really, this is a redshirt year for him,” Campbell told Chris Long on the Green Light Podcast (via the Detroit Free Press). “He’s got to get this leg right first, and then he’ll learn under Jared, and then let’s see what happens. If he can eventually become your two or maybe down the road, later on, it’s more than that, but it’s going to be a long time.”

  • Why Dan Campbell is excited about the potential of Hendon Hooker

    Hooker injured his left knee back in November during a game against South Carolina. Campbell says there isn’t really a timetable on when he’ll be back on the field. But, in the meantime, he’ll learn from Jared Goff.

    “To be able to get him where we did — we traded back twice and we were still able to acquire him — we felt like that was, everything played out just the right way for us,” Campbell told Chris Long on the Green Light Podcast (via the Detroit Free Press). “We were excited, and to your point, yes, Goff is going to handle it well. He knew. [General Manager] Brad [Holmes] had called him, and he’s great. And he’ll help this guy just learn and grow.” Regardless, there’s lots of good buzz around the NFL about Hooker, and I have a good feeling about him. Listen to the latest episode of The Squad with Anne Erickson here! Reach out to me on social media and let me know what you think here.

  • The Squad with Anne Erickson

    So much stuff went down with the NFL Draft this year! Listen to the latest episode of “The Squad with Anne Erickson” below. Brad Berreman of SideLion Report joins me, Anne Erickson, on “The Squad” to talk about the Lions’ picks and how the team is shaping up going into the new season!