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During their Week 6 bye, the Detroit Lions made a couple of roster moves, including placing a few players on injured reserve.
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One of those players was Tom Kennedy. The veteran receiver suffered an MCL injury to his right knee in the Lions’ Week 5 win over the Arizona Cardinals, which head coach Dan Campbell later revealed to be season-ending and requiring surgery.
Kennedy was a key special teamer for Detroit, especially in the return game, where he returned six punts for 79 yards and nine kickoffs for 223 yards. Lions associate head coach and wide receiver coach Scottie Montgomery also revealed a unique quality Kennedy possesses that Detroit will miss.
Kennedy is Like a Coach on the Sideline According to Montgomery
While speaking to the media Tuesday, Montgomery said replacing Kennedy will be more difficult than many think. Montgomery noted Kennedy’s versatility as a depth piece, but also his ability to be a coach on the sideline and provide answers to issues quickly.
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Kennedy signed with Detroit as an undrafted free agent after the 2019 NFL Draft and has stuck around with the Lions ever since on the practice squad and active roster at times. The 30-year-old is loved by his teammates and coaches, and has also become a fan favorite.
Losing Kennedy for the year may not seem like a major loss, but it’s clear that his leadership and veteran presence were incredibly valuable in Detroit’s wide receiver room and on the special teams units. Based on Montgomery’s comments, Kennedy was also a fantastic voice on the sideline and an in-game mentor.
The Lions’ first full game without Kennedy will be on Sunday against the Green Bay Packers at Ford Field. With the NFC North once again a tight race, Detroit can’t afford to lose many division games.
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This story was originally published October 20, 2026 at 8:38 PM.