The Detroit Lions will be without a crucial offensive contributor as they pursue a historic season finish.
NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport revealed on Nov. 27 that veteran wide receiver Kalif Raymond is being placed on injured reserve after sustaining a foot injury in Sunday’s win over the Indianapolis Colts.
Rapoport clarified that Raymond’s season isn’t over.
“The #Lions are placing WR Kalif Raymond on Injured Reserve, source says, due to the foot injury he suffered last Sunday,” Rapoport posted on X. “He’s expected to return and could play again before the regular season ends. Either way, he’s almost certainly back for the playoffs.”
Despite the possibility of a late-season return, Raymond will miss vital games that may determine if the Lions secure their first No. 1 overall seed in the modern playoff format.
Lions Losing Steady Veteran
Raymond, one of Detroit’s longest-tenured players since joining in 2021, has significantly impacted offense and special teams. He has tallied 165 catches for 2,254 yards and 10 touchdowns, plus 151 punt returns for 1,654 yards.
Raymond’s injury during Sunday’s victory alarmed teammate Amon-Ra St. Brown.
N“I’ve always respected Kalif Raymond. If he’s on the ground for more than five seconds, it’s probably serious, or he’s hurting badly,” St. Brown said via SI.com. “I’m relieved the results were positive. I know he’ll be ready to go for us soon.”
The Lions face crucial divisional matchups in three of their next four games, along with a showdown against the Buffalo Bills.
Currently 10-1, Detroit boasts the NFC’s best record, tied for the NFL lead, with the 9-2 Philadelphia Eagles close behind. A year after reaching the NFC Championship Game, the Lions aim to secure home-field advantage and their first Super Bowl berth.
Lions Have Options to Replace Kalif Raymond
To replace Raymond’s offensive and special teams role, Detroit may call up players from their practice squad, which includes veterans Donovan Peoples-Jones and Tom Kennedy.
Head coach Dan Campbell suggested Amon-Ra St. Brown might step in as a punt returner.
“I’m still considering it because Saint is the most reliable option, so we might just use him,” Campbell joked, referencing fans’ past reluctance to risk St. Brown in the return game. “You know what, we’re going to do that. We’re going to do that.”
