Lions rookie QB Hendon Hooker (ACL) 'progressing really well' ahead of training camp

Detroit Lions rookie quarterback Hendon Hooker is headed toward a "redshirt" season as the former Tennessee product rehabs a November ACL tear.

The question entering training camp later this month is whether the third-round pick will be able to get any on-field action at all during camp or whether he'll be relegated to mental reps.

Hooker recently told Cora Hall of the Knoxville News Sentinel that he's "progressing really well."

"I'm really just taking it day-by-day and continuing to build my body back up to where I want it to be and even better," Hooker said on Saturday.

Because he tore the ACL on Nov. 19, Hooker couldn't participate in Detroit's offseason program. He did, however, begin throwing on air last month.

A candidate to be placed on the league's non-football injury list to open training camp, Hooker likely won't be a factor for the Lions in 2023, but if he can get cleared for any action at some point during camp, he'd get valuable reps that could aid his development.

"I love the Detroit staff," Hooker said. "They're very supportive. Always teaching and hungry to get better. There's a competitive aspect from every coach that we have. It's always a competition on the field. Offense, defense, it's always going to be some chatter going back and forth, and I love that. I want be a part of something that's going to continue to progress to get better, and that's what we're trying to do. We're trying to win ballgames."

A potential first-round pick, Hooker slid to the third round of the 2023 draft following his knee injury, where the Lions scooped him up. At worst, the former Volunteer should be a backup with upside behind Jared Goff. At best, Hooker shows dynamic starting capability that allows Detroit to have a low-cost