Hendon Hooker Injury Update, What Happened to Hendon Hooker?
by Mathelene
Updated Jul 19, 2023
Hendon Hooker Injury Update
As of July 18, 2023, Detroit Lions quarterback Hendon Hooker has provided an update on his injury ahead of the upcoming training camp. Hooker suffered a torn ACL on November 19 and has been diligently rehabilitating since then. During his media rounds, which included several radio and television appearances as part of the SEC Media Day festivities, Hooker shared insights into his recovery progress.
He stated that he has made significant strides in his rehabilitation but still has some way to go before being fully ready to return to the field. As of the date of the update, Hooker is approximately seven months into his recovery journey. He recently worked with Jordan Palmer and his rehab team, MOTUS, in Los Angeles. They are carefully focusing on the finer aspects of his rehabilitation to help his body recover and get back to optimal strength.
Typically, ACL injuries require a recovery period of around 9 to 10 months, depending on the severity of the injury and the surgical procedure. Based on Hooker's own timeline, it seems he is still approximately two months away from being fully fit. Consequently, he is expected to miss the entirety of the training camp and the preseason.
Given the projected timeline for his recovery, it is likely that the Lions will place Hooker on the Non-Football Injury (NFI) list later in the week. This designation would allow the team to activate him later during the preseason if he is deemed ready for gameplay. However, if he remains on the NFI list at the start of the regular season, he will be required to sit out a minimum of four games. It's important to note that during this period on the NFI list, he would not count against the 53-man roster.
In terms of his rehabilitation focus, Hooker is prioritizing the full recovery of his leg to ensure it is at 100 percent before returning to the field. He is diligently working on building his throwing capability and mastering new movements. Particular emphasis is being placed on getting his left leg to accept weight transfer during throws, which is a crucial aspect for a quarterback.
Throughout his recovery process, Hendon Hooker is finding support and encouragement from fellow Lions cornerback Emmanuel Moseley. Moseley, who is also going through an ACL recovery, has been a mentor to Hooker since their high school days when they were both playing for Tennessee Volunteers. Their shared experience and camaraderie are serving as motivational factors during the challenging and often grueling days of rehab.
What Happened to Hendon Hooker?
On a fateful night during a game against South Carolina, Hendon Hooker, the star quarterback and 2023 NFL Draft prospect for the Tennessee Volunteers, suffered a devastating injury that ended his college football career. In the fourth quarter of the game, Hooker sustained a torn ACL in his left knee, a non-contact injury that resulted in him fumbling the ball.
The injury came as a significant blow to both Hooker and the Tennessee Volunteers. It led to the unfortunate announcement by the school on Sunday that Hooker would be out for the remainder of the season, abruptly ending his college football journey. Before the injury, Hooker had been a standout performer and a strong contender for the Heisman Trophy, which is awarded to the most outstanding player in college football.
His exceptional performances on the field had also caused his draft stock to rise steadily, positioning him well for a potentially high selection in the 2023 NFL Draft, possibly even in the top-50 overall prospects. However, the torn ACL now introduces uncertainty into Hooker's path to the NFL. His age, turning 25 in January, could become a factor in the evaluation process, as he is slightly older than some other quarterbacks in the league, such as Justin Herbert of the Los Angeles Chargers.
The injury also raises concerns about Hooker's ability to participate in pre-draft workouts and showcase his skills to NFL teams. The recovery process from an ACL tear can be time-consuming and may limit his ability to demonstrate his capabilities to evaluators before the draft.
Despite the unfortunate turn of events, it's essential to acknowledge Hooker's impressive accomplishments during his college career. He had a remarkable season, completing 69.6% of his passes for 3,135 yards, 27 touchdown passes, and just two interceptions. Additionally, his athleticism was on full display as he rushed for 430 yards and scored five touchdowns on the ground.
This performance came as the culmination of his ascent since transferring from Virginia Tech to Tennessee the previous season. In the 2021 season, Hooker showcased his talent and potential with a notable 31:3 touchdown-to-interception ratio and five rushing touchdowns, solidifying his status as a top prospect.
Hendon Hooker injury
Hendon Hooker, the star quarterback and 2023 NFL Draft prospect for the Tennessee Volunteers, suffered a devastating injury during a game against South Carolina. In the fourth quarter of the match, Hooker sustained a torn ACL in his left knee, a non-contact injury that occurred as he was fumbling the ball.
The ACL tear brought an abrupt end to Hooker's college football career, as the school announced on Sunday that he would miss the remainder of the season. This unfortunate injury had a significant impact on both Hooker and the Tennessee Volunteers. Before the injury, Hooker had been an exceptional performer and a leading candidate for the Heisman Trophy, an award given to the most outstanding player in college football.
His impressive on-field performances had caused his draft stock to rise steadily, making him a potential top-50 overall prospect in the 2023 NFL Draft. However, the torn ACL now introduces uncertainty into Hooker's path towards the NFL. At 25 years old, he is slightly older than some other NFL quarterbacks, and evaluators may consider his age during the evaluation process.
Furthermore, the injury poses challenges for Hooker's ability to participate in pre-draft workouts and showcase his skills to NFL teams. The recovery process from an ACL tear can be time-consuming and may limit his opportunities to impress evaluators before the draft.
Despite the setback, it's important to acknowledge Hooker's remarkable achievements during his college career. Before the injury, he had an impressive season, completing 69.6% of his passes for 3,135 yards, 27 touchdown passes, and just two interceptions. Additionally, his athleticism was evident as he rushed for 430 yards and scored five touchdowns on the ground.
His performance since transferring from Virginia Tech to Tennessee had been remarkable, with a notable 31:3 touchdown-to-interception ratio and five rushing touchdowns during the 2021 season. At this point, the focus shifts to Hooker's recovery journey and how it will impact his NFL draft prospects.
NFL evaluators will closely monitor his progress and assess the implications of his injury on his draft position. While his skills and past performances remain impressive, the torn ACL adds an element of uncertainty that may influence his draft status. Ultimately, Hooker's injury is a significant setback, but his talent and potential are undeniable. Football fans and evaluators will be watching closely to see how he progresses on his path towards the NFL despite this unfortunate turn of events.
Who is Hendon Hooker?
Alan Hendon Hooker, born on January 13, 1998, is an American football quarterback currently playing for the Detroit Lions in the National Football League (NFL). Before making it to the NFL, he showcased his talents in college football while playing for both Virginia Tech and Tennessee.
During his college career, Hooker demonstrated his abilities as a quarterback, earning recognition and accolades for his performances. Notably, in 2022, he was honored with the title of SEC Offensive Player of the Year while representing Tennessee. In the 2023 NFL Draft, the Detroit Lions recognized Hooker's potential and drafted him in the third round, solidifying his entry into the professional football league.
As a quarterback for the Lions, Hooker now has the opportunity to further develop his skills and contribute to the team's success in the NFL. With his talent and previous achievements in college football, the Lions have high hopes for him as he embarks on his professional journey in the league. Fans and football enthusiasts will be eager to witness how Hooker's career unfolds in the NFL, as he takes on the challenges and opportunities that come his way while playing for the Detroit Lions.
Hendon Hooker Injury Update - FAQs
Hendon Hooker, the star quarterback and 2023 NFL Draft prospect for the Tennessee Volunteers, sustained a torn ACL in his left knee during a game against South Carolina, ending his college football career.
The injury occurred during the fourth quarter of the Volunteers' game against South Carolina.
The injury was a non-contact injury that occurred as Hooker was fumbling the ball.
The injury has ended Hendon Hooker's college football career, and he will miss the remainder of the season.
Yes, Hooker's performances had made him a leading candidate for the Heisman Trophy and a potential top-50 overall prospect in the 2023 NFL Draft.