Jets Turn to Hendon Hooker as Quarterback Crisis Deepens
With injuries decimating New York’s quarterback room, the Jets have added Hendon Hooker to the practice squad as rookie Brady Cook prepares to start Week 16.
- Glenn Catubig
- 3 min read
The New York Jets’ quarterback situation has reached a critical point as the regular season enters its final stretch. Injuries and inconsistency have left the team thin at the game’s most important position, forcing rapid decisions with playoff hopes already extinguished.
Rookie Brady Cook is slated to start in Week 16, not by design but by necessity. He currently stands as the only healthy quarterback on the active roster, a reality that underscores how quickly the Jets’ depth chart has unraveled.
That urgency prompted New York to seek reinforcements this week. The Jets worked out several options before landing on a familiar name, bringing in a quarterback with prior ties to the coaching staff.
On Thursday, those efforts resulted in the signing of former Detroit Lions quarterback Hendon Hooker to the practice squad, a move aimed at stabilizing a position group in flux.
1. Hooker Gets a Second Look in New York
Hooker earned his opportunity after a workout with the Jets earlier Thursday. According to league sources, he impressed enough to secure a spot as the team looks for immediate insurance behind Cook. The third-year quarterback has built-in familiarity with the Jets’ leadership. Head coach Aaron Glenn and offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand both crossed paths with Hooker during his time in Detroit, providing a level of comfort uncommon for midseason additions. Detroit selected Hooker in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft, viewing him as a developmental prospect behind an established starter. However, he never carved out a long-term role in the Lions’ system and was released in August. Hooker briefly joined the Carolina Panthers’ practice squad, remaining there until early November. His availability made him an appealing option as the Jets scrambled to replenish their quarterback room.
2. Injuries Force New York’s Hand
New York’s quarterback crisis has been driven largely by health concerns. Both Tyrod Taylor and Justin Fields remain sidelined, limiting the Jets’ flexibility heading into Week 16. Fields is dealing with a knee injury and was limited in practice earlier this week. Taylor, meanwhile, continues to manage a groin issue and has also been restricted in his on-field work. Head coach Aaron Glenn indicated Wednesday that the team plans to reassess both quarterbacks later in the week. Until then, Cook remains the presumptive starter against the New Orleans Saints. The uncertainty surrounding Taylor and Fields made the addition of Hooker a necessary safeguard rather than a luxury.
3. Pressure Mounts on Cook
Cook’s first extended opportunity came in Week 15 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, and the results were uneven. He completed 22 of 33 passes for 176 yards, throwing one touchdown alongside three interceptions. The performance did little to quiet concerns, though context matters. Cook has been operating with a depleted supporting cast, highlighted by Garrett Wilson landing on injured reserve. With limited options, Cook’s primary weapons have included Adonai Mitchell, John Metchie III, and running back Breece Hall. The lack of continuity and firepower has made his transition particularly challenging. Still, the Jets’ decision to add Hooker introduces a layer of competition. While it is unlikely Hooker will be active immediately due to the need to learn the playbook, further struggles from Cook could accelerate that timeline.