One of the most exciting players the Detroit Lions acquired this offseason was third-round rookie Isaac TeSlaa out of Arkansas. The athletic wide receiver dominated summer workouts and training camp then impressed in the preseason, seemingly earning a Week 1 role.
Trading away veteran Tim Patrick was a sign of faith in TeSlaa, and the 6-foot-4, 215-pound receiver could immediately step in as the fourth receiver behind Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, and Kalif Raymond.
Unfortunately, Detroit is suddenly dealing with an injury concern and now TeSlaa's status for Week 1 against the Green Bay Packers could be in doubt.
#Lions rookie WR Isaac TeSlaa was not spotted at the portion of Tuesday’s practice that was open to the media. Ailment unknown.
— Nolan Bianchi (@nolanbianchi) September 2, 2025
Also absent: RB Sione Vaki and LB Trevor Nowaske
Lions Rookie WR Isaac TeSlaa Misses Tuesday Practice With Unknown Ailment
As noted by Lions beat writer Nolan Bianchi, TeSlaa was not spotted at the media portion of Tuesday's practice. Why exactly he didn't participate is unknown, but it's concerning nonetheless to pop up out of nowhere.
It's possible that TeSlaa had a non-injury-related reason or that he even practiced in the closed part, though typically, players who aren't seen in media availability are dealing with an injury of some sort.
Just on Monday, head coach Dan Campbell said that the team intended to give TeSlaa a role in Week 1 both on offense and on special teams. That makes this a new development and one to monitor, though hopefully he'll be back on the field on Wednesday.
The former Arkansas star projects as a perfect downfield complement to Williams with St. Brown cleaning up work underneath. He averaged a stellar 19.5 yards per catch during his final year as a Razorback, and his ability to stretch the defense was on full display during the preseason.
Having two guys who could take any pass the distance puts a ton of pressure on defenses. One of the best ways to open up space for your passing game is to have wideouts run vertical routes. It's a staple of Andy Reid's game-changing offenses, and it's helped his Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs teams achieve tremendous success. Campbell is trying to replicate that, so TeSlaa is important even if his stat line isn't gaudy in his rookie campaign.
Every time that TeSlaa draws safety help, it creates space over the middle for St. Brown and Sam LaPorta. It's a sound roster-building strategy, though all that's on hold now until we know for sure what's wrong with TeSlaa.
Here's hoping this is just a blip on the radar and not a serious issue.