The Detroit Lions will continue to fight for a playoff spot when they travel to face the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday. If the Lions are to complete the push and defeat the Rams, who are currently the No. 1 seed in the NFC, they’ll need to have all hands on deck.
While the Lions are trying to piece together a puzzle without Kerby Joseph, Brian Branch, and others, they appeared to get good news when Pride of Detroit’s Jeremy Reisman noted that wide receiver Kalif Raymond returned to practice on Wednesday after missing the past two games with an ankle injury.
Although that seems like good news, Raymond’s return may barely register an impact against the Rams, as the Lions have found a way to make do without him.
The Lions Might Not Need Kalif Raymond to Return vs. Rams
Raymond had a modest role on offense before his injury, reeling in 15 catches for 150 yards in 11 games. But his biggest role came on special teams, logging 20 punt returns for 146 yards and a touchdown along with six kickoff returns for 161 yards.
While Raymond had seized those roles, his 2025 season has been largely disappointing compared to his 2024 campaign. At this time last year, Raymond was one of the best punt returners in the NFL, earning second-team All-Pro honors after leading the league with 413 yards and logging a touchdown to go along with his average of 13.8 yards on 30 returns.
There was even some room for Raymond to get involved in the offense with 17 catches for 215 yards and two touchdowns, but his dip in production and the injury suffered in a Nov. 23 win over the New York Giants opened the door for others to take his job.
Tom Kennedy has been the main beneficiary of Raymond’s injury, taking over as the team’s kick and punt returner. The change has been positive for the Lions as Kennedy has returned a pair of punts for 42 yards (21.0 yards per return) and six kickoffs for 201 yards (33.5 yards per return) during Raymond’s absence.
The performance may tempt the Lions to make a change on special teams. But if Raymond believes he could lean on his offensive role, he may be in for an unpleasant surprise.
Amon-Ra St. Brown hasn’t missed time due to an ankle injury suffered against the Green Bay Packers on Thanksgiving. After spending the first season on a milk carton, Jameson Williams has exploded back into his 2024 form, catching 14 passes for 240 yards and a touchdown while Raymond has been on the shelf.
Even the reserve roles seem to have passed Raymond by as Kennedy made four catches for 36 yards in the loss to the Packers, and Isaac TeSlaa posted back-to-back games with multiple catches, grabbing four passes for 55 yards and two touchdowns.
While Raymond may be set to return, it appears the Lions have figured out how to survive without him. That could lead to a disappointing comeback against the Rams – assuming that Raymond is even active for that game.