Story by
Will the Lions Add a Receiver During the Bye? What Tom Kennedy's Season-Ending Injury Changes
- Story by
- Will the Lions Add a Receiver During the Bye? What Tom Kennedy's Season-Ending Injury Changes
The Detroit Lions rolled past Arizona 45-21 on Sunday, but they left the desert down a player. Tom Kennedy hurt his right knee at the end of a punt return in the second quarter, and he'll have surgery after an MCL injury that ends his season , according to NFL Network.
So, will the Lions add a receiver during the bye? Probably, though not for the reason the position label suggests. Kennedy played one offensive snap all season. What Detroit really lost is its return man, and the bye week gives general manager Brad Holmes two weeks to find one before the Lions host Green Bay on Oct. 25.
Advertisement
What Kennedy did for the Lions
Kennedy averaged 13.2 yards on six punt returns and 24.8 yards on nine kickoff returns through five games. The 30-year-old has spent parts of six seasons in Detroit, and his value has always been on special teams more than on offense.
After he went down, Amon-Ra St. Brown took over on punts and returned two for 36 yards, including a 31-yarder that set up a touchdown. That worked for one afternoon, but the Lions are unlikely to want their top receiver absorbing return hits every week.
Advertisement
Where the Lions' receiver room stands
The offense itself is in good shape. St. Brown played 57 snaps against Arizona and Jameson Williams played 59, according to PFF, and Williams had his first multi-touchdown game of the season. Isaac TeSlaa handled 26 snaps as the third receiver, and Sam LaPorta continues to give Jared Goff a reliable option at tight end.
That's why any addition will be about the fourth and fifth receiver spots, where a player who can return kicks and punts carries more value than one who can run routes.
Advertisement
How the Lions could fill the spot
The simplest route is promoting from within. Tay Martin played three snaps on offense against the Cardinals and could see a bigger special teams role. A practice squad elevation costs Detroit nothing and keeps the decision flexible.
A veteran free agent with return experience is the other option, and the bye gives Detroit time to bring in a few for workouts. At 3-2 and just outside the top tier in the NFC North, the Lions don't need a splash. They need someone who can field a punt cleanly and keep St. Brown out of harm's way.
Advertisement
Latest news on the Detroit Lions
This story was originally published by Athlon on Oct 14, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
