The Detroit Lions‘ end-of-the-roster wide receiver battle has been one of the most competitive battles in training camp, according to Dan Campbell. However, an injury to one of the top competitors in the mix is starting to put some things into focus.
Campbell noted that veteran wide receiver Cedrick Wilson has a knee injury and that he is worried about it.
Says they’re checking his knee out.
“I don’t know for sure, but I’m worried,” said Campbell. “I love Wilson, man.”
Campbell did not make it sound like the veteran entering his eighth season would be ready for the start of the season. The question from there might be whether they place him on the IR with a designation to return or whether his season is over.
Either way, it looks like it will open up a roster spot at wide receiver.
Detroit Lions Last Wide Receiver Battle Gets Clarity
The top four receivers on the Lions roster appear to be locked down. Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams are the big-name stars. Isaac TeSlaa is expected to bring more to the table in his second year.
Then, Greg Dortch is winning a job with experience in the Drew Petzing offense, along with special teams capabilities.
It left one and possibly two spots for Wilson, former draft pick Dominic Lovett, long-time Lion Tom Kennedy, Tay Martin, Lucky Jackson, and Tarik Black.
It does not resolve everything, as there are now five players competing for two spots instead of six. However, Wilson was the most experienced of the group, which does open the door for the depth names to make an impact.
Lions Sixth Receiver Spot Comes Down to a Few Names
Of the five, Kennedy appears to have the best chance to make the team while Black and Jackson have the worst. Kennedy appears to be in the lead for the kick return job, according to special teams coordinator Dave Fipp. He has multiple-phase special teams ability as well.
Meanwhile, Black and Jackson are typically discussed after Martin, who consistently catches the coaches’ eye. Martin has put together two solid preseason performances and adds special teams value.
“Tay Martin makes plays every day, and he is intriguing on offense,” said Campbell. “But on special teams, he makes plays every day.”
The injury to Wilson might have opened the door for Martin more than anyone. He will still have to beat out Lovett, who is a former seventh-round pick. However, Lovett appears to be slipping down the depth chart on offense and special teams.
The Lions could find a way to get Lovett onto the practice squad.
So, with Kennedy holding down the fifth spot and Martin jumping into the sixth, the question might be more about whether the Lions keep five or six, and not about the jockeying for positioning. Martin brings special teams value, but does he carry more than a linebacker or safety who might get the extra spot.
Still, the Lions also have one more week to resolve things on the depth chart.
Dan Campbell ‘Worried’ After Lions Veteran Injury