Lions just made sneaky signing that could give Hendon Hooker training camp edge

The Detroit Lions are dipping into familiar territory as training camp begins, reuniting quarterback Hendon Hooker with one of his college backfield mates. According to insider Jordan Schultz, the Lions are signing former Tennessee running back Jabari Small, who spent last season on the Tennessee Titans’ practice squad.

Small was part of the Volunteers’ explosive 2022 offense that turned heads nationally, with Hooker leading the charge and Small chipping in 15 total touchdowns. Their chemistry helped power Tennessee to a statement win over LSU that year, with Small rushing for 127 yards and two scores. Now, the Lions are hoping to tap back into that connection heading into a critical offseason stretch.

The move comes just as Detroit is ramping up toward the Hall of Fame Game on July 31, and one day after waiving rookie running back Anthony Tyus III due to a non-football illness designation. Small worked out for the Lions earlier this week and now joins a crowded backfield that already includes Jahmyr Gibbs, David Montgomery, Craig Reynolds, Sione Vaki, and Kye Robichaux.

Jabari Small signing gives Hendon Hooker a familiar face as Lions open camp

While Small is technically just a camp body in a crowded room, his presence might have indirect benefits for Hooker as well.

The two share a strong on-field rapport from their Tennessee days, and that familiarity could give Hooker a slight edge in his battle with veteran Kyle Allen for the backup quarterback job. Any extra rhythm, comfort, or confidence he shows in camp could help tip the scales behind Jared Goff.

Small never cracked the Titans’ active roster in 2024 but remained a fixture on their practice squad. Tennessee brought him back on a futures deal, only to cut him in May after drafting Kalel Mullings out of Michigan. Since then, the 5-foot-11, 213-pound back had been searching for another opportunity. He now finds one in Detroit, on a team that already features his former quarterback.

During their time together in Knoxville, Small was seen as a steady complement to Hooker’s dynamic playstyle. He’s compact, shows flashes of burst when he runs with decisiveness, and has earned praise for his work in pass protection in the past. His production dipped in 2023, but he still left Tennessee with over 2,100 career rushing yards and 26 total touchdowns.

The Lions’ depth chart won’t make it easy for Small to crack the roster, but training camp is the right setting for a player with this kind of uphill path.

With Hooker in the quarterback room and a training camp battle brewing, Small might just get a real chance to prove he can stick, and remind coaches what made that Volunteers duo so effective in the first place. If he can’t, this might be his final shot. But if you’re going to make one last push, it helps to have your old quarterback in your corner, potentially helping him out in the process. Win-win.