DETROIT, Mich. — Detroit Lions receiver and return specialist Tom Kennedy will miss the rest of the 2026 season after a knee injury that requires surgery, coach Dan Campbell said Monday, Oct. 12, in Allen Park.
Campbell said the injury was significant enough that Kennedy will be out for the season. Kennedy was hurt on an 11-yard punt return in the second quarter of Sunday road win over the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. He stayed down after the tackle, walked to the sideline, was carted to the locker room and left the stadium on crutches.
Reports described the injury as a significant MCL sprain expected to require surgery. Kennedy handled punt returns this season with seven fair catches and 79 yards on six returns, and he averaged 24.8 yards on nine kickoff returns before the injury.
Amon-Ra St. Brown filled in as the primary punt returner after Kennedy exited, handling three punts and returning two for 36 yards. Campbell said he would rather not have St. Brown as a full-time punt returner. The Lions are weighing in-house options, including practice squad receiver Dominic Lovett, and general manager Brad Holmes staff is checking external availability during the Week 6 bye.
Linebacker Devin White broke his forearm in the first quarter Sunday and needs surgery. Campbell said the team expects to get White back at some point, though it will take a while. White has played 67 defensive snaps this season.
