Lions QB Hendon Hooker questionable for NFC Championship with baffling injury

While he’s not likely to see the field much as the Detroit Lions third-string quarterback, Hendon Hooker has another hurdle to clear for this Sunday’s NFC Championship Game: An ailing tooth.

The rookie quarterback out of Tennessee popped up on the Lions’ Friday injury report ahead of a matchup with the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday. And his issue with his tooth has him listed as questionable for the game.

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport noted that Hooker had chipped a tooth and had it pulled earlier in the week.

As anyone who’s had their wisdom teeth removed or a tooth pulled can attest, the facial swelling and discomfort can be notable, and would surely be compounded by wearing a football helmet and taking hits. Plus, even though oral incisions tend to be quick healing, Hooker’s oral surgeon probably had a word or two about his return to play.

With just around 48 hours until kickoff and sequestered to the third string, Hooker can probably focus on icing and recovery and hope that the Lions get it done on Sunday so he can come off the injury report for a Super Bowl.