William Hooper Welcomed Back to New England

The New England Patriots filled some of their open roster space by bringing back a familiar face. William Hooper returned to Foxboro, signing back with the Patriots practice squad. New England was in need of additional depth in the defensive backfield, following the departure of J.C. Jackson.

Hooper signed with the Green Bay Packers after not being selected in the 2023 NFL Draft. He played his college football at Norwestern State (La.). It is the same Demons program that produced former New England Patriots running back John Stephens, the 1988 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year.

Bill Belichick and the Patriots had an opportunity to get familiar with Hooper in the preseason. The Patriots and Packers held joined practices leading up to their preseason matchup. Hooper recorded a special teams tackle in the game. Green Bay made Hooper part of their final roster cutdowns to get to a 53-man roster at the end of August.

New England signed William Hooper to their practice squad on Sept. 13. He was released Sept. 26. Since departing Foxboro, Hooper spent time with the Arizona Cardinals practice squad. The Cardinals released the defensive back last week.