Detroit Lions wide receiver/returner Tom Kennedy 2026 season is almost certainly over, as NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reports that the Lions returner is expected to undergo surgery to repair an MCL injury suffered in Week 5:
“Tom Kennedy suffered a significant MCL injury that is expected to require surgery and will end his season […] Dan Campbell was hopeful Kennedy’s absence would be shorter but further testing revealed the extent of the damage.”
In the first half of the Lions game against the Arizona
Cardinals, Kennedy returned a punt and was awkwardly tackled, pinning his right knee under the Cardinals player. He was originally listed as questionable to return, but after halftime, he was declared out, as the early test did not look great, according to Lions coach Dan Campbell.
“It doesn’t look good, as far as anything short-term,” Campbell said. “We’ll know a lot more tomorrow. I think it could be a sprain somewhere in there – a pretty good sprain.”
Those follow-up tests Monday morning led to the diagnosis Garafolo reported and the speculation that he won’t play again this season.
Kennedy was the Lions’ primary punt and kick returner, and there is no clear answer for who will replace him in those roles. Starting wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown took over emergency punt return duties, but the Lions won’t want to subject him to the extra punishment that comes with the role and will likely need a different option. On kick returns, cornerback Khalil Dorsey was the emergency option to line up opposite Jacob Saylors, and his speed and experience could keep him in play as a replacement. Dorsey does not have NFL experience as a punt returner, so he likely is not in the running for that position.
With the Lions headed into a bye week, and Kennedy’s injury being season-ending, they can take their time before placing him on injured reserve and finding a replacement. Stay tuned to Pride of Detroit for updates on this situation as it unfolds.
