The Lions enjoyed very good health with their WR’s last season. However, there was big news this offseason with an unexpected knee surgery for Amon-Ra St. Brown.
Last season, the Lions kept only four WR’s on the initial 53-man roster (St. Brown, Jameson Williams, Kalif Raymond, Isaiah Williams) although Tim Patrick was quickly added in Week 2.
Here is the list of WR’s starting with the players with the biggest medical question marks entering the season. Ages are at the start of the season.
#1: Amon-Ra St. Brown – 25yo
ARSB has been amazingly, consistently productive the past few seasons. He was available for all 18 games last year. However, an offseason knee surgery raises some concern. It’s unclear when this injury happened or if it’s just an accumulation of small traumas over time.
The surgery is suspected to be an arthroscopic procedure to clean up cartilage. The severity of cartilage damage is extremely variable, but the fact he was able to effectively play through it last season suggests it’s not too serious. However, any level of cartilage damage could become an issue down the road.
St. Brown was not placed on PUP at the start of camp which means he’s ready to go.
Projection: St. Brown likely continues to look like his elite self this season.
#2: Tim Patrick – 31yo
Coming off an ACL in 2022 and an Achilles rupture in 2023, Patrick rebounded with an excellent, reliable 2024 season by playing in 17 of 18 games. He got $2.5 million guaranteed on a 1-year deal this offseason which means the Lions are pretty confident in him for this coming season.
Projection: Patrick continues in his role as the big #3 WR.
#3: Kalif Raymond – 31yo
Raymond missed five games last year with a left foot injury but was able to return for the final two games. He’s been very reliable and productive since joining the team in 2021, but his age is starting to creep up.
Projection: Raymond continues in his kick/punt return roles and serves as a reliable WR backup. If the receivers ahead of him stay healthy, his production stays low. But if there are any injuries, Raymond will be ready to step in immediately.
#4: Isaac TeSlaa – 23yo
The Lions traded up to snag him in the 3rd-round this year because of his size and athleticism. He had a hand fracture in 2022 but has otherwise been healthy.
TeSlaa was limited this offseason for unspecified reasons, but there isn’t any sign of anything concerning. His absence from PUP is confirmation.
Projection: His production this year depends a lot on the health of the players ahead of him. He’ll take a big jump in status next year when Patrick and Raymond might be gone.
#5: Tom Kennedy – 29yo
Kennedy has been on and off the team since 2019. He had a possible arm/shoulder injury in 2023 but should enter the season healthy. Last year, he played 16 offensive snaps.
Projection: He won’t make the 53-man roster but will be available if the Lions need him during the season.
#6: Jameson Williams – 24yo
A couple minor ankle sprains are the only health issues since returning from his 2022 ACL. He is young and healthy entering his fourth season.
Projection: Williams’ role and production continue to increase being the healthiest member of this group. His 5th-year option was picked up, but it’s possible he gets an extension before then.
#7: Dominic Lovett – 22yo
This 7th-round rookie was healthy throughout college.
Projection: With so many established players ahead of him, Lovett likely ends up on the practice squad.
#8: Jakobie Keeney-James – 24yo
This undrafted rookie had some vague injury issues in college.
Projection: Practice squad would be a good outcome.
#9: Jackson Meeks – 22yo
This undrafted rookie had surgery in 2024 for a hairline fracture in his foot which is certainly something to monitor. The Lions reportedly gave him $200,000 to sign after the draft.
Projection: The Lions invested some money in him which suggests he has a good chance to land at least on the practice squad.
#9: Malik Taylor – 29yo
Taylor missed all last year on IR with the Jets for undisclosed reasons. His age and health status make him a questionable fit for the Lions.
Projection: Seems like a long-shot to make the team.
#10: Ronnie Bell – 25yo
Michigan fans fondly remember his exploits, but Bell hasn’t done much in the NFL in two seasons with the 49ers. He had a 2021 ACL which isn’t a concern now.
Projection: Unless he takes a big step up, he probably doesn’t have a role on the team.
This article originally appeared on Lions Wire: Detroit Lions raining camp medical preview: Wide receivers
Reporting by Jimmy Liao, MD, Lions Wire / Lions Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
