Full Breakdown
Hendon Hooker Returns to Tennessee Titans Practice Squad
9/1/2026, 4:18:43 AM
Roster Cuts and Practice Squad Additions
On the scheduled roster-cut date of August 30, 2026, the Titans reduced their roster from 91 to 53 players. The following day the team announced five additional moves, clearing space for a new practice squad. Sixteen players were signed to the practice squad, including quarterback Hendon Hooker. The list also featured running backs Kalel Mullings and Michael Carter, wide receivers K.J. Osborn, Hank Beatty and Tyren Montgomery, tight end Joel Wilson, and several defensive players. The Titans retain franchise quarterback Cam Ward as starter and veteran Mitch Trubisky on a two-year deal as the backup; Hooker joins the squad as a third-string option.
Hooker’s NFL Journey and Preseason Production
Hooker entered the NFL as a third-round selection by the Detroit Lions in the 2023 draft. He missed his rookie season while rehabbing a torn ACL suffered in his final college year at Tennessee. After being released by the Lions, he spent time on the practice squads of the Carolina Panthers and New York Jets during the 2025 season before signing with the Titans in the 2026 offseason. In the 2026 preseason, Hooker completed 9 of 13 passes for 89 yards, a modest contribution that the team noted when finalizing its roster.
Impact on Quarterback Depth
With Ward established as the starter and Trubisky secured as the primary backup, the Titans’ decision to place Hooker on the practice squad reflects a strategic depth move rather than a promotion to the active roster. Hooker’s limited preseason snaps and recent recovery from knee injury suggest the team views him as a developmental player who can provide emergency coverage while continuing to refine his skills.
Context Among Former Tennessee QBs
Hooker’s practice-squad signing coincided with other former Tennessee quarterbacks navigating roster decisions: Joe Milton was waived by the Dallas Cowboys after making their initial 53-man roster, Joey Aguilar joined the Jacksonville Jaguars’ practice squad, and Josh Dobbs prepared to serve as the Detroit Lions’ backup. These moves underscore the competitive landscape for Vol alumni seeking stable roles in the NFL.
