The Detroit Lions suffered a big blow when receiver and return specialist Kalif Raymond went down with an injury, but they’ve found relief in the form of fan-favorite player Tom Kennedy.
Kennedy has now moved into the role on a permanent basis, with the team announcing that he would be staying on as kick returner. The longtime member of the practice squad will hold down the role as the Lions face a critical stretch to end the season, one that will make or break their playoff hopes.
Tom Kennedy’s Breakout Performance
Kennedy has been on the practice squad for the majority of his seven seasons in Detroit, but moved to the active roster after Raymond’s injury. He has done well as a return specialist, averaging 27.0 yards per kick return with a 21-yard punt return in his first game. In the team’s win over the Dallas Cowboys, he brought all three kick returns beyond Detroit’s 40-yard line.
Speaking to reporters this week, Lions special teams coordinator Dave Fipp said Kennedy would stay in the kick returning role even after Raymond is ready to return.
“Kalif’s obviously an incredible player for us, so I would see him starting off as our punt returner and I would definitely see Tom Kennedy being part of the kick return game,” Fipp said, via SB Nation’s Pride of Detroit. “Leaf back, I would see him returning punts for sure.”
Fipp added that he’s thrilled for Kennedy to finally get such a big opportunity after working for so long just to land a spot on the roster.
“I can’t tell you how ecstatic I am for Tom Kennedy,” Fipp said. “I mean there’s nobody who deserves the attention and the recognition more than him in this building. I mean a guy who’s just worked his tail off every single day the whole time he’s been here. Never ever complained about the reps he’s getting, the opportunity he’s getting. Whether he knows he can do something better than maybe some other guy who’s getting his shot before him. And then for him to get the opportunity and then go out there and make the most of it, you’ve got to give him a lot of credit.”
Kennedy played only a light role through most of his tenure. He appeared in four games last season but had only one target and no receptions. He played a total of 16 offensive snaps and 20 special teams snaps.
Kennedy last made a reception in 2022, when he played a larger role and had eight receptions for 141 yards.
Making Up for Lost Star
Kennedy earned his call-up to the active roster after the Lions lost tight end Sam LaPorta to a season-ending injury. Lions head coach Dan Campbell said the team doesn’t expect to see LaPorta back anytime soon.
“I think we would be fortunate to have a chance to get him back for the rest of the season,” Campbell said, via ESPN’s Eric Woodyard. “I think that’s very, very slim.”
Campbell did deliver some good news, saying the tight end’s back surgery was a success.
“The good news is the procedure went really well long-term,” Campbell added.
Lions Announce Big News for Fan-Favorite WR