The Detroit Lions made some last-minute roster changes before their Thanksgiving game against the Green Bay Packers, adding a fan-favorite wide receiver to their active roster.
The Lions announced on Wednesday that they signed receiver Tom Kennedy to the active roster. He had been on the practice squad and was elevated for the team’s Week 11 game, but was a healthy scratch. Kennedy now has a chance to play for the first time since the 2024 season.
Lions Add Longtime Veteran
Kennedy has been with the Lions since the 2019 season, appearing in 24 games with one start. He made a total of 14 receptions for 195 yards.
He missed the active roster this season but was added back to the practice squad.
USA Todayâs Jeff Risdon predicted before the season that Kennedy would remain around the fringes of the roster.
“Rookie Dominic Lovett has missed time recently and hasnât had the most reliable hands in camp, opening the door for others,” Risdon wrote before the season. “Ronnie Bell has surged lately, earning some first-team reps with Patrick out. Jackson Meeks has played well in preseason games and made some plays on special teams, giving the undrafted rookie the underdog outsiderâs shot. And thereâs always Tom Kennedy, the ultimate roster survivorâand heâs had a pretty good summer, too.”
Tom Kennedy Could Play Big Role
The Lions announced that Kennedy would be active for their Thanksgiving game against the Packers. The team’s official website noted that he could take on a big role on special teams.
“The Lions will also be without No. 3 receiver and punt and kickoff returner Kalif Raymond today as he’s inactive dealing with an ankle injury suffered in last week’s win over the Giants,” reporter Tim Twentyman wrote. “Rookie wide receiver Dominic Lovett has experience returning punts and the Lions signed veteran wide receiver Tom Kennedy from the practice squad to the active roster. Kennedy also has experience returning kicks.”
Twentyman added that the Lions are missing one of their most effective pass-catchers, with tight end Sam LaPorta suffering a season-ending injury. The team is also missing their No. 2 tight end, forcing them to look deep down the depth chart.
“Tight end Brock Wright, who was filling in for the injured Sam LaPorta as Detroit’s No. 1 tight end, is inactive today with a neck injury,” Twentyman wrote. “Down their top two tight ends for today’s contest against the Packers, Detroit will turn to Ross Dwelley, Anthony Firkser and Zach Horton at the position.”
It’s not clear if Kennedy could get a share of the targets, but the Lions may need to turn to other players to pick up the slack.
The Lions are facing a critical test, entering Thursday’s game just behind the Green Bay Packers for the lead in the NFC North. The Lions are trying to earn their third straight division title, but have suffered through some struggles. They have lost three of their last six games, but had a gritty come-from-behind win over the New York Giants last week and the chance to build some momentum against their division rivals.
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