With the return of veteran quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, there was excitement at Detroit Lions practice on Thursday. Jared Goff’s retired backup was back in the building and part of the Lions again, taking reps in practice just as news of his rejoining the team filtered out.

Head coach Dan Campbell praised Bridgewater’s veteran presence and experience. He also made it clear that Bridgewater’s return was by no means a setback for incumbent backup quarterback Hendon Hooker.

Hooker is in his second season and has played sparingly behind starter Jared Goff. The 2023 third-round pick spent most of his rookie season recovering from a knee injury suffered in college at Tennessee, learning from Bridgewater along the way.

“That doesn’t mean we’re disappointed with Hooker,” warned Campbell preemptively in his pre-practice press conference. “That’s not what this means.”

“So we have someone who has played a lot in the NFL – we’re getting ready for the playoffs,” Campbell continued.

Back to Hooker. Campbell was asked about his progress.

“He’s really improved,” enthused Coach Campbell. “We feel like he’s getting a little better every week. And that doesn’t mean Hooker is out – that’s not the meaning.”

Campbell then provided some more clarity after hinting that both Hooker and Bridgewater could play in the coming weeks.

“I understand what it looks like, but it’s just a different world that we want to enter. And I just felt like this (signing Bridgewater) was the right thing to do — especially with someone I have a lot of trust in and for.”