Detroit Lions wide receiver/returner Tom Kennedy’s 2026 season is almost certainly over, as NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reported that the Lions returner is expected to undergo surgery to repair an MCL injury suffered in Week 5:
“Tom Kennedy suffered a major MCL injury that is expected to require surgery and end his season […] Dan Campbell had hoped Kennedy’s absence would be shorter but further testing revealed the extent of the damage.
“It doesn’t look good, as long as it’s anything short-term,” Campbell said. “We’ll know more tomorrow. I think it could be a sprain somewhere in there–a good sprain.”
Follow-up tests Monday morning led to the diagnosis Garafolo reported and the speculation that he won’t play again this season.
Kennedy is the Lions’ primary punt and kick returner, and there is no clear answer as to who will replace him in those duties. Starting wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown’s emergency punt return duties, but the Lions don’t want to subject him to the extra punishment that comes with the role and likely need another option. On kick returns, cornerback Khalil Dorsey is the emergency option to line up opposite Jacob Saylors, and his speed and experience could keep him playing as a replacement. Dorsey has no NFL experience as a punt returner, so he likely won’t be in the running for that position.
With the Lions heading into a bye week, and Kennedy’s injury being season-ending, they could bide their time before placing him on injured reserve and looking for a replacement. Stay tuned to Pride of Detroit for updates on this situation as it unfolds.