The Detroit Lions have made some roster moves ahead of their big Week 16 showdown with the Minnesota Vikings. The Lions have activated rookie quarterback Hendon Hooker from the NFI/Reserve list. Detroit also waived kicker Riley Patterson, indicating that veteran Michael Badgley has won the job.
Hooker sustained a season-ending knee injury with the Tennessee Volunteers last year, and his rookie has consisted of rehabilitation and slow integration. Hooker’s 21-day window expires on Wednesday, and head coach Dan Campbell said the following about his rookie quarterback.
“He’s gotten just a little bit better every week, which is what you expect. Certainly, he’s raw, and he’s got a ton of things he’s got to get better at and develop, but that’s what you would expect, right? He’s a rookie; he hasn’t had any – he hasn’t banked any reps, anything like that in real-time. So we’re slowly working him in.”
Badgley was the starting kicker in 2022 before the Lions traded a day-three pick for Patterson. Badgley was 100% from the tee against the Denver Broncos. Patterson had struggled to find consistency in recent weeks and his demotion from the kicking job is unsurprising.
Detroit Lions Get More Good News
The start of the week brought more good news for the Detroit Lions. Fullback Jason Cabinda and influential defensive back CJ Gardner-Johnson are on the comeback trail. Their 21-day windows expired this week, and they could return to the starting lineup as early as Sunday.
Gardner-Johnson’s return will significantly boost the Detroit Lions’ secondary. Gardner-Johnson is an experienced ballhawk with a competitive streak and an innate understanding of Aaron Glenn’s defense. After tearing his pectoral muscle in Week 2, Gardner-Johnson’s return is much anticipated.
Dan Campbell also commented on Gardner-Johnson and his return:
“He’s one of the X-Men. He’s got these mutant genes because he healed extremely quickly. And it is; he’s gotten the strength back, it is secure, and so yeah, he’s going to be ready to go here pretty soon.”