Tuesday, August 26th, is the date for the final roster cutdown. For players on the bubble of making the roster, the decision might come down to positional versatility. If a player can make an impact on special teams, that could open up a pathway to the Lions’ 53-man roster.
The Detroit Lions Path to The 53-Man Roster
If a talented DB or wide receiver can also make an impact on special teams, that player stands a good chance of making the team’s roster. The contribution of the special teams unit is often overlooked, with so much of the attention focused on the offense and defense. But a strong special-teams unit plays a critical role in setting the offense and defense up for success. One of the best in the NFL, the Lions’ special teams unit pinned opponents deep in their territory, while significantly adding to the Lions’ scoring bonanza last season.
In 2024, elite Pro Bowl punter Jack Fox set an NFL single-season record for the highest net punting average at 46.2 yards. His longest punt was 68 yards. In addition, with an average of 51.0 yards, Fox owns the record for the Lions’ single-season gross-punting distance.
NFL rookie kicker Jake Bates was 26/29 on field goals last year while adding an NFL-best 42 extra points. Like Fox, Bates set a Lions’ franchise record. He contributed a total of 142 points, which is the most scored in a single Lions’ season. Bates also tied for the fourth-most points scored by a rookie kicker in NFL history.
A year ago, in the Lions’ 52-14 blowout against the Tennessee Titans, return specialist Kaliff Raymond scored twice. His first score was a magnificent 90-yard punt return, but later he caught a second receiving touchdown. Raymond became the first NFL player to record both a punt return and a receiving touchdown in the same game.
Lions’ Special Teams Coordinator Dave Fipp
Entering his fifth year with Detroit, special teams coordinator Dave Fipp has done an exemplary job of coaching and bringing his talented athletes to a new level. The special teams unit ranked first in punt return yards (479), third in punt return average (12.9), while ranking second in punt return yards allowed (135) and third in punt return average allowed (6.4). In addition to exceptional individual accomplishments, the special teams unit is responsible for limiting the opponents’ kick returns, as well as blocking field goals and punts.
In speaking to the media on Tuesday, Fipp sees his role as someone who is given a group of 11 men, and his job is to get the results by developing these players. “Just focus on the roster – or just focus on the game. Focus on the game, look at these players, find out how we can make the best 11.”
Fipp has been evaluating players to see who possesses the necessary speed, strength, and agility to allow them to contribute on special teams. If a player can add depth to the 11-man unit, an individual who might be on the bubble could claim a roster spot. Fipp looks for wide receivers or running backs who have the explosive speed and quickness to return kicks. Does a defensive back have the speed and physicality to block and tackle to clear a path for the Lions’ return specialist?
Players Who Could Claim A Roster Spot On Lions’ Special Teams
Along with Fox, Bates, and long snapper Hogan Hatten , Fipp’s unit includes returning wide receiver Raymond, cornerback Khalil Dorsey, and running back Craig Reynolds. After fracturing his tibia and fibula last December against the Buffalo Bills, Dorsey returned to practice this week. Fipp is thrilled to have Dorsey back in the lineup. “Dorsey is huge, I mean, this guy is one of the great gunners in the game of football right now. So obviously getting him back is outstanding.”
Reynolds has been featured as one of the preseason return specialists, filling in for All-Pro punt returner Raymond. Second-year running back Sione Vaki and 5’11” 225 lb. linebacker Grant Stuard shared return duties. Versatile utility player Vaki has experienced a tough training camp after an early hamstring injury. The game against the Miami Dolphins was his first appearance; however, Vaki has experience from last season. He is well-suited to a special-teams role with his ability to play multiple positions, including WR, RB, and defense.
Lions LB Grant Stuard
As a free-agent newcomer, Stuard could cement his roster status as a key contributor on special teams. Fipp was already a fan of Stuard’s after seeing him play for the Indianapolis Colts, describing Stuard’s playing style. “Number 41’s a hair-on-fire player; this guy’s relentless.”
Stuard was a workhorse for the Colts in 2024, playing 229 defensive snaps and recording 40 tackles with two TFLs. But it’s his size and unexpected speed that make him a desirable addition to the unit. The former high school running back is explosive off the line. Although he needs to work on ball security, Stuard presents an intriguing full-throttle option.
Lions Cornerback Nick Whiteside
Former UFL cornerback Nick Whiteside has been a player who has stood out in an impressive way this preseason. Despite the crowded situation he faces in the multi-talented cornerback room, Whiteside is making it increasingly harder for the Lions coaching staff to ignore his contribution. Consequently, the Michigan native and Saginaw Valley standout has seen his special-teams snap count increase over the last two games, recording eight tackles (six solo) and two pass defenses.
Wide Receivers Isaac TeSlaa, Dominic Lovett, and Jackson Meeks
All three rookie wide receivers have been taking snaps on special teams. One of the standouts in the Lions’ training camp has been rookie wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa . With his big-bodied 6’4” 214 lb. frame and ability to make contested catches, week after week, TeSlaa continues to validate Brad Holmes’ surprise move to trade up and acquire him. TeSlaa’s going to be a great addition as a wide receiver, but his ability to contribute on special teams only underscores his impact with the team.
At 5’10”, 185 lbs. Dominic Lovett’s best route to the 53-man roster may be on special teams. Although Lovett has taken several special-teams snaps, one area he needs to work on is ball control. However, his 4.4 speed in the 40-yard dash could translate well to a gunner position. Last week, playing against the Dolphins, his heads-up recovery of a muffed punt return led to a 33-yard field goal by Jake Bates.
Jackson Meeks has recorded more special-teams snaps than TeSlaa or Lovett. The 6’2” 218 lb. UDFA from Syracuse was the leading receiver last week with nine receptions for 93 yards and a touchdown. Meeks faces an uphill battle in a crowded receiving room, but his prowess at special teams could give him an edge as a kick returner.
Running Back Jacob Saylors and Safety Ian Kennelly
Two other players could find their way onto the roster as part of the Lions’ special teams unit. All UFL running back Jacob Saylors and safety Ian Kennelly. Saylors has the kind of versatility that Detroit looks for in a player. He has 80 yards on 24 carries in the preseason. On Saturday, Saylors recorded two kick returns for 61 yards.
Kennelly, a Michigan native, and graduate of Grand Valley State, has also played extremely well this preseason. The 6’2” 205 lb. UDFA talent has frequently been mentioned as one of the standout players this preseason. Kennelly has good ball tracking abilities with impressive speed. He posted a 4.52 in the 40-yard dash. His stamina and versatility have allowed him to record a heavy workload on both defense and special teams.
Fipp’s special teams unit played a big role in the Lions’ achieving an NFL-best 15-2 record. With a crop of talented newcomers, this year’s unit looks to be even stronger, which bodes well for the team’s success.
Main Image: Eamon Horwedel-Imagn Images
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