Lions' Hendon Hooker addresses recovery from ACL injury

Detroit Lions quarterback Hendon Hooker probably won’t play as a rookie but is tackling his recovery from a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee as if he could take the field before January. 

"ACL's doing good. Just taking it day by day, and just continuing to chip away and stack days," Hooker said of his recovery from surgery during a Friday appearance on the NFL Network "Good Morning Football" program, per Nick Shook of the league's website. "I think one thing that I know for sure is that physically and mentally I've become a lot stronger through this process. But we don't know when the day will come where I'm 100%. But when it does come, it'll be a heartfelt moment for me, I know for sure, because of how much I miss the game and how much I miss competing."

Hooker, a third-round draft pick, suffered the injury in November and is spending springtime and summer workouts taking "mental reps" while shadowing starter Jared Goff. Goff is only signed through the 2024 season, but Lions general manager Brad Holmes hasn't closed the door on locking the 28-year-old down via an extension. 

"Essentially, he's an amazing quarterback," Hooker said about Goff. "Just continuing to learn from him and watch him, watching his footwork, watching how he directs traffic, when he's in the huddle, just taking command of the total offense. It's amazing to see him operate, and one day I hope to be on that level and operate as efficient as he does."

Hooker's presence could put Goff in an awkward position, especially if the veteran fails to guide Detroit to the playoffs this winter. As of late Friday afternoon, OddsChecker listed the Lions as the betting favorites to win the NFC North title at +130 odds. To compare, the Minnesota Vikings were second at +325. 

Pro Football Talk's Charean Williams referred to Hooker as "the heir apparent to" Goff with Detroit. Goff understandably may have such takes on his mind when he and the Lions open the 2023 season at the defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs on Sept. 7.