The Detroit Lions parted ways with a longtime running back before this week’s Thanksgiving game, and now he’s found a new home with a Super Bowl contender.
The Lions announced on Wednesday that they released veteran Craig Reynolds, who had been with Detroit for the last five seasons. He saw his role dwindling this season, appearing in just seven games and seeing his share of carries on offense down to almost nothing.
Any plans the Lions may have had to bring Reynolds back to their practice squad vanished when he signed with the New England Patriots.
Craig Reynolds Carved Out Important Role in Detroit
Though Reynolds didn’t have a huge impact on offense during his five seasons in Detroit — taking 153 carries for 654 yards and one touchdown — he did have an important role on special teams.
But with the tandem of Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery taking nearly all of the carries, and second-year running back Sione Vaki appearing in 57% of the special teams snaps, Reynolds lost his grip on a roster spot.
The Patriots announced on Saturday that they added Reynolds to their practice squad, adding some key depth in the backfield and on special teams. The Patriots released running back Rushawn Baker from the practice squad to make room for Reynolds.
The Patriots have the NFL’s best record at 10-2, the only team to reach double-digit wins so far this season.
The Patriots have spread out their carries on offense, with TreVeyon Henderson leading the way with 118 carries for 558 yards and five touchdowns. Rhamondre Stevenson has 284 yards and three touchdowns, while Antonio Gibson has 106 yards with one touchdown.
Reynolds grew into a fan-favorite player with the Lions, thanks in part to his gritty special teams play. While it’s not clear if the Patriots have any plans to elevate him to the active roster this season, those skills could give him an advantage.
Lions Face Offensive Crisis After Losing Top Receiver
The Lions suffered a major blow with their Thanksgiving loss to the Green Bay Packers, which dropped them out of a playoff spot in the NFC. Detroit also lost top receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, who suffered an ankle injury in the first quarter and did not return.
St. Brown is expected to miss one or two weeks, but head coach Dan Campbell said he believes the team can still keep up the pace. Campbell praised the team’s pass-catching group, saying they can all make plays when needed.
“I do have a lot of trust in Tom Kennedy. I do have a lot of trust in [Jameson Williams], especially when we know what the coverage is and weâve got him running. Weâve still got Gibbs,â Campbell said, via SB Nation’s Pride of Detroit. âAnd so, if you like the players and you like the play, thereâll be sometimes you may not like the coverages you think you may get. Or if itâs you know the ballâs going to go to this player and itâs this route that youâre going to have to win them, maybe you donât like it. But in the moment it felt like the right thing to do today.â
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