Detroit Lions Training Camp Backup WR Preview

Veteran Backup Takes the Spotlight

The Lions are rolling out their medical preview series with a look at the wide receiver group, where the starting three appear fresh and injury‑free. The backup corps, however, is built from older hands and carries a modest medical risk. The most established of those reserves is Dortch, who has logged 145 catches over six NFL seasons and survived a perforated intestine in college. A chest problem sidelined him last year, but he’s reported to be healthy heading into the offseason. With his proven track record, Dortch seems to have the edge for a roster spot.

Young Gun Garnering Attention

Malik Cunningham, a 27‑year‑old who spent the previous campaign on Detroit’s practice squad, is weighing his second chance with the team. He listed a 2 out of 10 medical concern, reflecting the lingering effects of a few college concussions, though other health issues are absent. Pictures from the offseason show him working hard, and analyst Jeff Risdon noted he was “repping high” during minicamp drills. He did manage a single game appearance last season, though without a reception. Whether he can sustain that off‑season momentum into full‑contact practice remains an open question.

Experienced Return Specialist Adds Value

Kennedy, entering his 30th season, carries a low medical concern rating of 1 out of 10, thanks to minimal injury history and few reps accumulated so far. He shone on kickoff returns last fall, showcasing the reliability that has defined his career. While the Lions would prefer younger options moving forward, Kennedy’s steadiness makes him a safe fallback. He adds depth without the risk of a high‑mileage, injury‑prone player. The coaching staff is likely to keep him on the roster for his proven special‑teams contributions.

Other Contenders to Watch

Among the remaining finalists for the backup spots are Dominic Lovett and Jackson Meeks, who are also fighting for a roster bite. Both players bring their own skill sets, but they’ll need to out‑perform the veterans discussed above to earn a guaranteed spot. For a deeper dive into their stats and training camp updates, be sure to check out the full story. Their performances in the next few weeks could reshape the entire Detroit WR depth chart.