Lions Add Hendon Hooker to Active Roster, Waive Riley Patterson

Hooker has officially been activated.

The Detroit Lions announced Tuesday that rookie quarterback Hendon Hooker has been added to the active roster.

In a corresponding move, the Lions have waived kicker Riley Patterson. Michael Badgley made his first start of the season Saturday, and this move signals that he will be the kicker moving forward.

Coach Dan Campbell said Monday that the team planned to activate Hooker at the conclusion of his 21-day return-to-practice window, which ends Wednesday. 

Hooker had been on the non-football injury list since the conclusion of training camp, while recovering from a torn ACL suffered on Nov. 19, 2022, as a member of the Tennessee Volunteers. 

He is expected to serve as the team’s third option at quarterback behind Jared Goff and Teddy Bridgewater, who said the 2023 season will be his last before retiring. 

The Lions selected Hooker in the third round, at No. 68 overall, in the 2023 NFL Draft. Prior to his injury, he was having an exceptional final season with 3,135 yards, 27 touchdowns and two interceptions.

He was placed on the reserve/non-football injury list at the conclusion of training camp. While rehabbing, the rookie was permitted to participate in meetings, but unable to practice with the team. 

As a result, the Lions made the decision to activate him, so that the coaching staff could provide more opportunities for Hooker to develop and gain reps in practice. He began practicing on Nov. 29, in the days leading up to Detroit's Week 13 game against New Orleans. 

The Lions are facing a key decision at quarterback at the conclusion of the season. Goff has one more year on his contract, but the team will likely evaluate whether or not to give him an extension prior to the 2024 season.