Lions Practice Move Casts Doubt on High Profile Former Draft Pick’s Future originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

The Detroit Lions’ training camp got underway over the weekend with veterans joining the team’s rookies in Allen Park, Michigan and Lions players and coaches speaking to gathered media.

AdvertisementDetroit’s first preseason game is just 10 days away against the Los Angeles Chargers at Ford Field adding the sense of urgency surrounding the team.

On Sunday, media noticed a surprising quirk among the Lions’ player rotations that fueled speculation about a former high profile draft pick and his future with the team.

“To starting training camp, the Lions had Kyle Allen working with the backups and 2023 third-round pick Hendon Hooker getting reps with the third-team offense,” reporter John Maakaron wrote.

“Traditionally, the Lions have rotated their options amongst the backup and third units over the course of camp, but Hooker being with the latter could be telling. He did have an early completion to undrafted tight end Zach Horton during his reps.”

Hooker’s sample size so far is small, but working with the third team could be a sign that his favor is on trial with the Lions’ coaching staff.

“Overall his day was hit-and-miss,” Maakaron wrote on Sunday about the 2023 third round pick who has shown promise at times.

“He missed low on one pass, and had another deflected at the line of scrimmage.”