Hendon Hooker Joins Bryce Young on Carolina Panthers Practice Squad

Why this matters: Hooker's addition to the Panthers' practice squad adds depth and competition to the quarterback position. It also provides Young with a familiar face and a former rival to push him in practice.

The Carolina Panthers have added Hendon Hooker to their practice squad, reuniting him with Bryce Young, the team's No. 1 overall pick. Hooker and Young have a history dating back to their college days, where they played for Tennessee and Alabama, respectively.

The two quarterbacks first met at the Manning Passing Academy and have maintained a relationship ever since. They even spent two hours discussing pass protection during a flight to the NFL combine. While their on-field rivalry was intense, particularly during the 2022 Alabama-Tennessee game, they share a mutual respect and understanding of the quarterback position.

Hooker's arrival in Carolina comes after a stint with the Detroit Lions, where he failed to win the backup quarterback job. Lions head coach Dan Campbell suggested that Hooker may need a "change of scenery," indicating that the team did not see a future for him in Detroit. Now, he has an opportunity to prove himself in a new environment and learn from Panthers' coaches.

For Young, having Hooker on the practice squad could be beneficial. The two can push each other in practice and share insights on opposing defenses. While coach Dave Canales acknowledged the potential for awkwardness given their college rivalry, he seems confident that the two can put their past aside and work together.

They first met at the Manning Passing Academy in 2022.

Lions head coach Dan Campbell suggested he may benefit from a change of scenery.

Hooker is a Greensboro, N.C. native and grew up attending Panthers camps.

What do you think about the Carolina Panthers adding Hendon Hooker to their practice squad? How will this affect Bryce Young's development?

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