Hendon Hooker provides update on injury rehab as NFL season approaches

The Detroit Lions have a powerful weapon waiting in the wings in third-round draft pick Hendon Hooker. The former Tennessee quarterback was on the SEC Network set on Monday at SEC Media Days where he shared an update on just how much longer the Lions will have to wait until he can take the field following his ACL tear last winter.

“Right now, I’m seven months out, really just stacking days,” Hooker told the SEC Network hosts. “I just got back from L.A., working with Jordan Palmer and my rehab team, MOTUS. They’re really dialing into the little things to help my body get back to a stronger and better me.

“Usually, it’s 9-10 months, depending on the degree of injury and the surgery. I’m feeling better every single day. Whenever I get to get out there, move around, throw the ball, run, I’m ecstatic. I can’t do too much, too fast.”

While rehabbing his leg, Hooker and his rehab team have been getting creative to make sure his arm strength continues developing.

“Sitting in the chair, moving to one knee, dropping back and stagnant throws, now I’m able to put a lot more weight on my leg, getting my leg to accept the weight transfer,” Hooker shared of his arm drills. “Just continue to stack days. Getting my body back used to moving around and throwing on the run, not putting my body in bad positions or developing bad habits while I’m trying to get back to where I want to be.”

Hooker attacks rehab following ACL injury

So far, the Lions are loving what they’ve seen from the former Vol as he attacks his recovery.

“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,” Lions quarterbacks coach Mark 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.”

During his final season at Tennessee, prior to the injury, Hooker was on his way to being a Heisman finalist. He had 3,135 yards, 27 touchdowns, two interceptions, a 69.6% completion percentage, 430 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns.

Over the course of two years with the Volunteers after a transfer from Virginia Tech, Hooker threw for 6,080 yards, 58 touchdowns, five interceptions, a 68.8% completion percentage and had 1,046 rushing yards and 10 rushing touchdowns.