The Detroit Lions made the unprecedented decision to bring only four wide receivers onto their 53-man roster. Instead, they included five running backs, which took a lot of fans and media members by surprise. No other team in the league had as few as four WRs on their final roster.
Perhaps even more surprising than the decision to have only four WRs on the roster was which WR4 the coaching staff decided to go with. Greg Dortch was considered a lock to make the roster. Instead, the Lions brought Tay Martin onto the roster.
When Dortch was unexpectedly cut on Sunday, many wondered whether the team had another plan for him. Some expected the Lions to sign him again after some roster moves, or that he would be back on the practice squad.
That didn't happen. Instead, Dortch signed with the Buffalo Bills' practice squad on Monday.
Dortch signs with the Bills, raising questions about the Lions' decision to cut him
Now that the 28-year-old receiver's departure has been confirmed, it has left a potentially big hole for the Lions. Not only does Detroit have very little wideout depth now, but its return game could also suffer.
When Dortch signed in Detroit this spring, many assumed that he would be an important part of the return game. He has been a proven return man in his years in Arizona. He has been one of the top return men in the league. Just last season, he returned 16 punts for 185 yards and 31 kickoffs for 811 yards in 12 games for the Cardinals. He was given those duties in the Lions' preseason games as well.
Now, the Lions have no players on the roster who have returned a punt in their NFL careers. Jacob Saylors did a solid job in kick returns last year and should have the job again this season. Who will return punts, however, remains to be seen.
When Dortch was released, some Lions fans speculated whether Tom Kennedy would make the roster as the WR5 and a return specialist. He wasn't able to make the roster, either. He will start the season on the practice squad once again.
Perhaps Tay Martin or Sione Vaki will be the man for the job. Neither player has any experience as a punt returner, but they have the physical and athletic profile to be options there.
So far, the Lions have expressed no interest in adding more WR depth, either. Perhaps offensive coordinator Drew Petzing will have creative two- and three-tight-end sets to compensate for the lack of WR depth. But it's clear that this will be an issue for the Lions all season. Let's hope that they don't end up regretting parting ways with a solid depth piece like Dortch.
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