GREENSBORO, N.C. — A former standout high school football player in the Triad is returning to his home state.

Quarterback Hendon Hooker, who played for Dudley High from 2015-17, has signed with the Carolina Panthers practice squad, Mike Kaye of the Charlotte Observer first reported . Hooker was cut by the Detroit Lions this week after spending the previous two seasons with the team.

Hooker, a third-round pick by Detroit in the 2023 NFL Draft, played in three games for the Lions in 2024, completing 6-of-9 passing attempts for 62 yards and zero touchdowns. During the 2025 preseason, Hooker only completed 22-of-40 passes for 187 yards and three interceptions.

Hooker lost the backup job in Detroit to Kyle Allen, who played for the Panthers in both 2018 and 2019.

The Panthers only have tw

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