The Carolina Panthers released former Detroit Lions backup quarterback Hendon Hooker from the practice squad, the team announced Tuesday.
The Panthers picked Hooker up after the Lions cut him before this season started. However, they picked up another quarterback in Mike White for their practice squad, squeezing Hooker out of the mix.
With Panthers starting quarterback Bryce Young healthy again, Hooker would’ve been the fourth quarterback in the building. The Panthers also released tackle Michael Tarwuin and linebacker Carlos Basham.
The Lions picked Hooker in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft in a spot that suggested he could eventually succeed Jared Goff if something were to go south. Goff continued to solidify his position long-term in Detroit and Hooker was relegated to third-string quarterback on multiple occasions, only attempting nine career passes.
Hooker finished in the top five of Heisman Trophy voting at Tennessee in 2022 despite suffering a torn ACL in his final collegiate game. He sat out all of the 2023 season before serving as Goff’s backup in 2024, only to get moved down the depth chart in favor of Teddy Bridgewater for last season’s playoffs.
This article originally appeared on Lions Wire: Panthers release former Lions QB Hendon Hooker from the practice squad
Reporting by Ryan Love, Lions Wire / Lions Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
