The Detroit Lions are gearing up for their season opener vs. the Green Bay Packers. Notably, they just dodged a big bullet ahead of their trip to Lambeau Field, as they could've been without one of their promising stars.
Rookie wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa missed practice on Tuesday, casting doubts about his availablity for Week 1. Fortunately, head coach Dan Campbell confirmed that he was just dealing with "a little bug," and he should be back on the field on Sunday, per Dave Birkett.
The Lions have plenty of depth at wide receiver, but their decision to trade Tim Patrick to the Jacksonville Jaguars could've been a costly one if TeSlaa were to miss time.
Lions' Lacking WR Depth Almost Cost Them Already
TeSlaa turned plenty of heads in training camp, and the Lions felt petty comfotable trading Patrick to the Jaguars in exchange for a 2026 sixth-round selection. But that has them on the verge of the same issues they faced last year.
Depth has been an issue for the Lions' receiving corps recently, with Kalif Raymond having to make five starts over the last two years. Injuries will always be a reality, and willingly living up talented depth like Patrick is a gamble (especially when you consider that Jameson Williams has only played in 33 games across his first three season.)
Having just Raymond and rookie Dominic Lovett as your third and fourth WR options in a crucial divisional matchup against the Green Bay Packers would leave Detroit fighting a much tougher battle than they need to in Week 1.
For his part, TeSlaa hauled in ten receptions for 146 yards and three touchdowns in four peseason games, showcasing his skills as a shifty wideout with steady hands and looking like a legitimate threat in the endzone.
Of course, he will still be behind St. Brown and Williams in the pecking order. Star TE Sam LaPorta will also be in the mix for plenty of targets, so the rookie may not put up big numbers right out of the gate. But he could and should settle in as the WR this season. His crisp route-running and physicality make him an intriguing pickup, and the Lions should still have one of the most explosive offenses in the game, even with a new offensive coordinator.
Trusting rookies to make an impact right out of the gate doesn't usually work out well, but with lacking dpeth in the receiving room, at least TeSlaa will be on the field.