Tom Kennedy landed a major opportunity before the Lions’ Thanksgiving showdown with the Green Bay Packers. The Detroit Lions signed the veteran wide receiver to their active roster on Wednesday, November 26, elevating him from the practice squad. Kennedy now travels to Ford Field for the 1 p.m. ET Thursday game against an injury-depleted receiving group.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Original Lions tenure: Kennedy spent entire 2019 season on Detroit’s roster with 14 receptions for 195 yards over 24 games
- Practice squad return: Reactivated from practice squad Wednesday after being held as healthy scratch in Week 11
- Special teams impact: No. 3 receiver Kalif Raymond suffers ankle injury, Kennedy fills return duties alongside rookie Dominic Lovett
- Injury crisis: Lions losing Sam LaPorta (season-ending injury) and Brock Wright (neck injury) at tight end positions
Lions Face Major Receiver Depth Shortage
The Detroit Lions’ receiving corps took another hit before Thanksgiving. The team ruled out Kalif Raymond, the No. 3 receiver and primary return specialist, with an ankle injury suffered last week against the New York Giants.
With Tim Patrick traded in the offseason and receiving weapons depleted, the Lions needed emergency depth. That’s where Kennedy enters the equation.
Kennedy’s Journey: From 2019 Regular to Practice Squad Survivor
Tom Kennedy remains the ultimate Lions roster survivor. The Bryant University product, born July 29, 1996, played for Detroit since 2019 and made 24 appearances with one start.
In his original stint, Kennedy caught 14 passes for 195 yards. After departing the active roster, he returned on a reserve/future contract in January, then spent this season between waiver wires and practice squads before his November 26 elevation.
| Career Statistic | Information |
| College | Bryant University |
| College Stats (18 games) | 90 receptions, 1,298 yards, 10 touchdowns |
| Current Age | 29 years old |
| Hometown | Farmingdale, New York |
| Position | Wide Receiver (#85) |
| Jersey Number | 85 |
Why Kennedy Matters for Thanksgiving Day Game
Kennedy’s elevation serves multiple purposes for the Lions. Beyond potential receiving contributions, the veteran offers expertise on special teams—kicking off and returning punts and kicks.
The Lions offense already deals with Sam LaPorta’s season-ending injury and Brock Wright’s neck injury. Missing two tight ends forces the team to rotate Ross Dwelley, Anthony Firkser, and rookie Zach Horton into larger workloads.
“Rookie wide receiver Dominic Lovett has experience returning punts and the Lions signed veteran wide receiver Tom Kennedy from the practice squad to the active roster. Kennedy also has experience returning kicks.”
— Tim Twentyman, Detroit Lions Official Communications
Packers Present Critical NFC North Test
The Thanksgiving matchup against Green Bay carries massive weight. The Lions (7-4) sit just behind the Packers (7-3-1) in the NFC North standings, with the Chicago Bears (8-3) leading the division.
Detroit dropped three of six recent games but bounced back with a comeback victory over the Giants. Momentum matters in divisional play, and the Thanksgiving day game at Ford Field represents a perfect opportunity to prove the offense functions despite injury challenges.
Can the Lions and Kennedy Create Turkey Day Magic?
Whether Kennedy sees significant snaps remains uncertain. His primary value appears tied to special teams contributions and emergency receiving depth.
Still, the opportunity itself speaks volumes. The Lions clearly believe Kennedy merits active roster consideration after his impressive preseason and practice performances. Thanksgiving 2025 marks his chance to prove he still belongs on an NFL field after spending most of the season fighting for roster spots.
Sources
- Heavy Sports – Lions roster moves and Thanksgiving preparations
- Detroit Lions Official – Player transactions and game inactives
- ESPN – Player profiles and NFL statistics
Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.
