New Lions WR Is an Early Camp Disappointment for Detroit

Los Angeles Chargers cornerback Ja'Sir Taylor (36) tackles Detroit Lions wide receiver Dominic Lovett (19) in the second quarter at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium.
Los Angeles Chargers cornerback Ja'Sir Taylor (36) tackles Detroit Lions wide receiver Dominic Lovett (19) in the second quarter at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. | Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

The Detroit Lions weren't about to sit on their laurels offensively this offseason. They knew that losing former offensive coordinator Ben Johnson would hurt, but general manager Brad Holmes continued investing in the offensive line and pass-catching groups.

To go along with wideouts Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, Tim Patrick, and Kalif Raymond, Holmes went out and brought in a pair of rookies, Isaac TeSlaa and Dominic Lovett. It's possible that Detroit has the best skill-position unit in the NFL, and it's only getting better.

TeSlaa is already drawing rave reviews at camp and earning first-team snaps. Unfortunately for Lovett, he's been an early disappointment, albeit through no fault of his own. In fact, it's only disappointing that he hasn't been able to show more of his talent, thus putting his roster spot in jeopardy.

Lions WR Dominic Lovett an Early Camp Disappointment Through No Fault of His Own

Campbell told reporters on Wednesday that Lovett will probably miss about 10 days after leaving practice on Monday with an abdominal injury. That puts him out for at least one, if not two, preseason games. He was heavily involved in the Hall of Fame contest, catching five passes for 31 yards, so it's clear that the coaching staff is prioritizing getting a long look at him.

That matters because the aforementioned five Detroit receivers are already locks to make the roster. Only one or two spots remain for Lovett, Tom Kennedy, Ronnie Bell, Jackson Meeks, Malik Taylor, and Jakobie Keeney-James. Seventh-round selections are no sure thing, especially when you draft as late as the Lions did, putting Lovett's spot in danger.

By not being able to suit up, Lovett's at risk of having another player impress with extra game reps.

All that said, Lovett seems to have an advantage in the competition. St. Brown said that he could "kind of see (himself) in" Lovett, and his footwork has impressed during practices thus far. It'd require a big effort from one of his teammates to cause any sort of cut, yet fans are still right to be disappointed that they can't see more of the seventh-rounder in action.

During four collegiate years split between Missouri and Georgia, Lovett caught 197 passes for 2,243 yards and 13 touchdowns, notably notching three seasons over 600 yards. This is a talented player with the speed to enable gadget plays, so hopefully, there is a spot for him on the roster.

Here's hoping Lovett gets on the field sooner than later and shows what he's capable of.

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