Detroit Lions rookie quarterback Hendon Hooker is working to get back from a torn ACL suffered in college last season.
Hooker is currently on the NFI list while recovering but could be activated at some point in the 2023 season. Right now, he remains working closely with the rest of the Lions' quarterback room and offensive coordinator Ben Johnson.
All Lions caught up with the 25-year-old after practice Tuesday afternoon.
*Questions and responses have been lightly edited for clarity.
Q: Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson said he was getting frustrated because he couldn't stump you with questions in position meetings. What do those quizzes and questions entail?
A:“Man, it could be all of the above. It could be something that the defense is giving us. This week, the Chiefs are giving us down in the red zone or some of the tendencies that they like to do in the open field. Or it could just be, 'Hey, what front is this? Or what do we call this here?' Or it could be some checks and audibles in the game plan. So any and everything, he’s quizzing me and always trying to challenge me mentally.”
Q: How has the quarterback room been, with Teddy Bridgewater, Jared Goff, Nate Sudfeld and now David Blough?
A: “It’s been great, it’s been great. From the guys that have been here encouraging me every day to teaching me some things that take place in the NFL that doesn’t take place in college football or some of the responsibility that we have on our plate that others might overlook. So just taking every bit and piece from Teddy, from (Jared Goff), from David, from (Nate Sudfeld) and then coach (Mark Brunell) and J.T. Barrett as well. It’s amazing, a blessing to be here.”
Q: How do you feel you've adjusted to the NFL while rehabbing from your injury?
A: “It’s been good. I’ve just been enjoying the work and enjoying seeing my body change and getting back to feeling like myself in certain ways. Throwing the ball a lot better now. Transitioning, I was sitting down throwing and then to one knee. But I’m only working my upper half so now I’m getting my lower half into my sequence and rhythm, feel good. I’m just hungry to get back to playing. I’m itching to get back to playing, even if that’s going out and practicing. Just doing that, throwing 7-on-7’s, 1-on-1’s, things like that. I miss it.”
Q: What are your initial impressions of Ben Johnson's offensive scheme?
A: “Love it. It’s a perfect play offense. Make sure that Ben gives us everything that we need, from the quarterback position, to take total control. That’s what he wants us to do, take total control and be the general of the offense. These are some very expensive keys to this car, talking about the offense. I love it. I love the enthusiasm that Ben shows. He cares, and you want to be around people that care about the same things as you care about, just naturally. But when it’s about what we’re doing and task at hand, every little detail matters.”
Q: How excited are you to make the trip to Kansas City?
A: “I’m soaking it all up and putting it in my mental rolodex so that when it’s time for me to go out there and perform, I’m not shocked and not new to anything. Really just want to be a good teammate and cheer my guys on too, in person. It’s different when you’re away and just sending text messages. But being right there physically on the sideline is amazing.”
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