The Detroit Lions are reeling with some tough news out of their bye week, as wide receiver and return specialist Tom Kennedy will require season-ending surgery for an MCL injury he picked up back in Week 5. This is a massive blow, especially since there was initial hope Kennedy could return this season, but further testing confirmed he won’t be back on the field before the year is out. He was the team’s starting punt and kick returner, a crucial role that now needs filling ASAP.
Injuries Mounting: Bartch and White Also Hit The IR
Kennedy isn’t the only one heading to the sidelines. The Lions also announced that offensive lineman Ben Bartch and linebacker Devin White have been placed on injured reserve. All three players are out for a minimum of the next four weeks, with their return timelines varying significantly. Bartch, an oft-injured lineman, started in Week 2 against the Buffalo Bills filling in for Christian Mahogany, but he suffered a foot injury that kept him out for the next three weeks of practices and games. Now, he’s set to miss at least four more games, adding another season to his injury-riddled career.
Devin White, meanwhile, is out with a broken forearm, also suffered in Week 5, and will also need surgery. The good news for White is that broken bones typically heal in eight to 12 weeks, meaning he *could* recover in time to return to the field this season. With six linebackers already on the active roster, the Lions aren’t scrambling to replace his position group directly, but these are still significant losses that open up critical roster spots.
Roster Shuffle: Who Steps Up For Week 7?
With three spots suddenly open on the active roster, the Lions have some big decisions to make, even if they’re not in a rush during their bye week. For the punt and kick returner role, Detroit isn’t exactly “on the hunt” for an external hire, but they’ve got some interesting internal options. All four practice squad wide receivers are expected to be in the mix, including the recently signed DeAndre Carter, vying for Kennedy’s old job and one of those newly freed spots.
On the offensive line, Bartch’s absence could be the perfect opening for starting center Cade Mays to make his comeback. Mays is currently practicing within his injury evaluation window and might just be ready to play against the Green Bay Packers in Week 7. Similarly, Devin White’s spot is likely earmarked for safety Brian Branch, who is also in his injury evaluation window and could potentially return to the active roster for that Week 7 showdown. And keep an eye on veteran safety Jalen Mills, who was released from the practice squad recently after exhausting his roster elevations. If the team feels they need more depth in the secondary, bringing him back isn’t out of the question. Week 7 against the Packers is going to be huge for the Lions, not just for the rivalry, but to see how these roster shuffles shake out on the field.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pride of Detroit.
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