The rivalry for back-end positions in the Detroit Lions’ wide receiver room may have become a little more intense.
Wide receiver Tre’Quan Smith had a hand injury in Saturday’s 24-23 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs, which might sideline him “for a little while.”
Smith played nine plays on Saturday and received no passes. He’s one of the more seasoned receivers competing for a roster spot alongside Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, and Kalif Raymond.
Smith appeared in one game for the Denver Broncos last season and spent five seasons with the New Orleans Saints prior to that, including 2018-20 when Campbell was the team’s assistant head coach. He did not catch any passes during preseason.
Depending on the severity of his injury, the Lions could place Smith on season-ending injured reserve, cut him with the intention of paying him an injury settlement (with the possibility of re-signing him later in the season), or keep him on the roster until the NFL’s roster cut deadline on August 27, allowing him to be activated from injured reserve once healthy.
Undrafted rookie Isaiah Williams led the club with six catches and 71 yards on Saturday and has impressed in his pursuit for a roster berth, while Kaden Davis, Donovan Peoples-Jones, and Daurice Fountain are among the other receivers vying for a spot.
Campbell said the Lions appeared to avoid any further serious injuries on Saturday. Swing tackle Dan Skipper departed the game with an ankle injury but does not appear to be out long term, while linebacker Malik Jefferson left with a finger injury.
