Detroit Lions quarterback Hendon Hooker may have exited the field under his own power on Thursday night, but there’s growing concern about a possible concussion after a hard hit during the team’s 34-7 defeat to the Los Angeles Chargers in the NFL Hall of Fame Game in Canton, Ohio.
Medical expert Jimmy Liao, MD, analyzed the moment, which showed Hooker taking a direct blow to the back of his head while being tackled near the sideline. A video shared online captures Hooker’s head violently bouncing off the ground. Liao called it a “brutal head trauma” and warned it increases his risk of concussion, especially since Hooker already sustained one last preseason.
Although he kept playing, the team is currently monitoring him for delayed concussion symptoms.
Hooker previously experienced a concussion in the 2024 preseason.
Dr. Jimmy Liao cautioned that if Hooker continues running this aggressively, “he won’t last.”
Hooker completed 3-of-6 passes (18 yards, 1 INT) and ran 3 times for 9 yards.
Hooker is working to lock down the No. 2 quarterback spot behind Jared Goff, but lingering health issues like this could derail his momentum. He remained in the game following the hit, going 3-for-6 for just 18 yards and an interception, plus three rushes for nine yards.
It wasn’t a great performance overall, but the hit and its potential consequences stole the spotlight.
Hooker’s legs have always been a big part of his game, dating back to his Tennessee days, but if he wants to have a long NFL career, he’ll need to reevaluate how he scrambles. Liao noted that the former third-rounder is “inviting danger” by moving so freely outside the pocket, particularly with his concussion history.
That’s troubling for a Lions team with high hopes of a Super Bowl run. Hooker is expected to be a key developmental piece behind Goff and possibly his long-term successor. But that won’t happen if he keeps missing time due to injuries.
Head coach Dan Campbell didn’t specifically mention Hooker’s hit after the game, but it’s likely to come up during internal team discussions.
With Goff resting during the preseason, the Lions are putting Hooker in position to gain valuable reps and adapt to John Morton’s revamped offense. Still, the coaches might have to implement tighter controls—figuratively and literally—to protect their young quarterback.
Hooker’s Hall of Fame Game fell short of expectations, marked by underwhelming stats, a pick, and now a worrisome head injury.
It’s not time to panic, but it is time to prioritize his health. If Hooker is going to be Detroit’s future at quarterback, he has to stay healthy—and that won’t happen if the hits keep adding up.
