Lions QB Hendon Hooker questionable for NFC Championship with baffling injury

While he’s not likely to see the field much as the Detroit Lions third-string quarterback, Hendon Hooker has another hurdle to clear for this Sunday’s NFC Championship Game: An ailing tooth.

The rookie quarterback out of Tennessee popped up on the Lions’ Friday injury report ahead of a matchup with the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday. And his issue with his tooth has him listed as questionable for the game.

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport noted that Hooker had chipped a tooth and had it pulled earlier in the week.

As anyone who’s had their wisdom teeth removed or a tooth pulled can attest, the facial swelling and discomfort can be notable, and would surely be compounded by wearing a football helmet and taking hits. Plus, even though oral incisions tend to be quick healing, Hooker’s oral surgeon probably had a word or two about his return to play.

With just around 48 hours until kickoff and sequestered to the third string, Hooker can probably focus on icing and recovery and hope that the Lions get it done on Sunday so he can come off the injury report for a Super Bowl.

Dan Campbell isn’t here to anoint the Lions ‘America’s Team’

The Detroit Lions are the feel-good story of the NFL playoffs at the moment, capturing America’s heart as they continue their winning ways.

Led by Dan Campbell, the team defeated the Los Angeles Rams and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers thus far, and their on their way to San Francisco for an NFC Championship Game date with the top-seeded 49ers.

There’s no shortage of support for the Lions. Over the last couple of weeks, many have dubbed them as the new “America’s Team” at the moment. Ahead of the NFC title clash in San Francisco, Campbell explained that the moniker isn’t for the Lions to decide, but for the people.

“That’s not my crown to take,” Campbell told a reporter, via NFL Network’s Andrew Siciliano. “That’s for other people to say whether we are or aren’t.”

That’s a great way to think of it for Campbell. They’re not allowing themselves to get caught up in the whirlwind of support, simply thinking of winning their next game. Still, it must be an absurd feeling, especially after how Campbell’s tenure started in Detroit.

America’s Team or not, the Lions will be looking to extend their season on Sunday, and head to the Super Bowl. We’ll see if they can get the job done, and continue the best story in the NFL at the moment.