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Dominic Lovett Facing Immense Pressure as Lions Wide Receiver Depth Chart Takes Shape
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- Dominic Lovett Facing Immense Pressure as Lions Wide Receiver Depth Chart Takes Shape
The battle for the final wide receiver spots is one of the most underrated storylines of training camp for the Detroit Lions .
Detroit usually keeps five, or at most six, receivers on its initial 53-man roster, which is normal for most teams. However, with Amon-Ra St. Brown , Jameson Williams , and Isaac TeSlaa being roster locks, there are only so many spots left.
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Though there is still a lot of time in camp for the Lions to finalize their receiver room, it looks like the depth chart is already taking shape, which puts a ton of pressure on someone like Dominic Lovett .
With Greg Dortch Locked as WR4, Lovett Needs a Big Camp From Here On Out
Aug 3, 2026; Allen Park, MI, USA; Detroit Lions wide receiver Dominic Lovett (19) looks on during Detroit Lions training camp. Mandatory Credit: Paul Barnick-Imagn Images
The Lions held practice on Tuesday in preparation for Thursday's preseason opener against the Cincinnati Bengals , and Nolan Bianchi of The Detroit News believes the order of the receiver group is becoming more certain . Bianchi has St. Brown, Williams, TeSlaa, and free-agent addition Greg Dortch as the top four players in the position group.
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Bianchi adds that the Lions could keep six receivers this season because of the depth of the room.
If the Lions keep six receivers, Lovett should have a spot, given that he made the roster in 2025 and has made some explosive plays in camp . However, if Detroit only retains five, Lovett could have some competition, especially from Cedrick Wilson Jr.
Wilson had a productive day on Tuesday, hauling in two big receptions, with one setting up the Lions' offense in a goal-line situation. The 30-year-old has been a viable depth receiver since entering the league in 2018, though he isn't much of a return threat.
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Tom Kennedy also can't be counted out. He has been with the Lions since 2019 and has appeared in 30 games. Kennedy will likely land on the practice squad again and be elevated from there for a few regular-season contests, but if he makes noise in the preseason, the Bryant product could finallt exit camp on the 53-man roster.
Lovett is still in a decent position to secure a roster spot for the second straight year. But with Dortch locking up the WR4 gig, Lovett needs to play at his best to ensure his future in the Motor City, and his first key opportunity will come Thursday against Cincinnati with Detroit set to rest most of its starters .
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Aug 12, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
