Hendon Hooker's first NFL game was a thrill, a "surreal experience," he said. But it ended with a letdown. Hooker wound up in concussion protocol after absorbing a couple hits while scrambling downfield in the Lions' loss to the Giants in last week's preseason opener.
The concussion cost Hooker the rest of his debut and a few days of practice. He returned to the field Wednesday.
"It's frustrating, because I want to play so bad after a year of sitting out," he said. "Really, not being able to go was the worst part about it. Other than that, I feel really good."
Vying for the backup quarterback job behind Jared Goff, Hooker has had an inconsistent camp after red-shirting last season while he recovered from a torn ACL suffered in college. He's also shown flashes of why the Lions drafted him in the third round, including last Thursday when he entered the game at the start of the second half and sparked the offense with his legs.
"It's something I've been dreaming about since I was a kid," he said. "Being able to fulfill my dream in front of my family being there, it was a blessing just to be out there to showcase my talent."
Hooker's debut didn't last long. He drove the Lions the length of the field on his second drive before the offense stalled out three yards from the end zone, then had to be lifted from the game due to concussion protocol. On the play where he appeared to suffer the injury, Hooker ran through a defender in the second level toward the end of a 16-yard gain. The few extra yards cost more than they were worth.
As Dan Campbell said after the game, Hooker has to know when to give himself up. His mom made sure to echo Campbell's message, both in person that night and again via text.
"Oh yeah, my mom's a huge fan of sliding," Hooker said with a smile. "I always (hear) it from her, but now the coaches are on me as well. ... 'We gotta slide,' she's been saying that for years. I'm learning. I'm learning."
Of course, it's hard for Hooker to dial it back when he's been sidelined since November of his senior season at Tennessee. All he wants to do is play, and make up for lost time. On the play in question, he said that he "wasn't even trying to run the guy over. I was just embracing for impact and he bounced off of me."
"Coming back in, you're just playing, not really thinking about, 'Oh, I need to slide.' I was just trying to bring some energy whenever I can. Whether that be a quick screen for someone or my pull blockers, getting physical on the line of scrimmage, however I can come in and motivate my guys and play at a high level, that's what I want to do."
Despite the limited snaps, Hooker thought he had a pretty productive night. He completed just five of nine passes for 36 yards, while rushing four times for 34 yards, but was pleased with his "decision making and just controlling the offense."
"Getting into a tempo, up to the line, operating at a high level. My kills were right. My eyes were in the right place. Just continuing to play fast with my feet and my mental process," he said.
Hooker's next big test should come Saturday against the Chiefs. The Lions expect him to be able to play in their second preseason game, and Hooker expects to make a bigger impact.
"Just scoring the ball is the biggest thing," he said. "First down, first down to touchdowns. That's what I'm focused on. Orchestrating the offense in a great manner."
Reps are exactly what he needs after so much time off. As Campbell put it last week, Hooker goes to bed and needs reps and wakes up and needs reps. Hooker said the preseasons snaps are especially helpful "because the game speed is different from practice. You are in command. Coaches aren't on the field with you, so you're orchestrating the whole offense to your speed, your tempo and your rhythm."
When Hooker's on, he's a challenge to stop. Saturday is his next chance to get started.