Lions Make Decision on QB, Designate Gardner-Johnson to Return

Lions plan to add Hendon Hooker to active roster.

The Detroit Lions are planning to start the 21-day return-to-play clocks on both safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson and fullback Jason Cabinda. Additionally, the team plans to add rookie quarterback Hendon Hooker to the active roster. 

The Lions have the decision looming quickly with Hooker, whose 21-day clock expires Wednesday. Currently, Hooker is on the reserve/non-football injury list, while recovering from a torn ACL suffered in college. 

Adding Hooker to the active roster will require the Lions to part ways with a player currently on the 53-man roster.

Gardner-Johnson is recovering from a torn pec in an astounding amount of time, having suffered the injury in Week 2. Typically a season-ending setback, the defensive back could return as soon as this week against Minnesota. 

Cabinda, meanwhile, has been on injured reserve since Week 3. In his absence, the Lions have leaned on multiple players, including linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez, to fill the void at fullback.

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Reynolds' latest nickname

Wide receiver Josh Reynolds has been the subject of several monikers from Campbell. The third-year Lions receiver has been steady and reliable throughout his time with the organization, while being asked to wear a number of hats within the offense. 

On the season, Reynolds has 33 catches for 535 yards and five scores.

Monday, Campbell explained that in addition to previous nicknames, such as "The serpent of death," and "The mantis," Reynolds was recently coined as "The cockroach," due to his resilience and ability to bounce back.

"Somebody referred to him this morning, I'm not going to tell you who it was and this is not meant as a negative, but as the cockroach," Campbell said. "Because he just won't die. This guy just keeps coming back. He's endured and gone through more stuff, just little things, that he just won't go away. He refuses to, he just won't go away. He just always bounces back. You talk about resilient. He is resilient, and he's tough." 

Notes

1.) Jared Goff was awarded a game ball for his five-touchdown performance. That effort tied a career-high mark for the veteran passer, which he last achieved in 2018 with the L.A. Rams. 

2.) Center Frank Ragnow played Saturday under improbable circumstances, having underwent meniscus surgery just a week prior to returning to the lineup. 

The veteran center has battled through numerous injury hiccups throughout the season, but remains a steady presence on Detroit's offensive line. 

"That's how Frank is, Frank's gonna will himself. His mind controls his body, which we talk about all the time, and the good ones can do that," Campbell said. "No, he's what you already know, he's a tough dude. He's a mind over matter (player). Ultimately, what it's about for him, he is terrified of letting his teammates down. That means more to him than anything. That's just the way he is, that's why guys respect the hell out of him."

3.) The Lions also provided injury updates on Jameson Williams and Derrick Barnes, both of whom appeared to suffer injuries against the Broncos. Both returned to the game later. 

"Not as far as I know, we'll see. But, I think they're okay," Campbell explained. "They'll be a little beat up, but I think we're gonna be okay."