The Detroit Lions have an intriguing wide receiver group heading into the 2022 season, highlighted by the trio of Amon-Ra Saint. Brown, DJ Chark, and rookie Jameson Williams. Detroit still wouldn’t provide a timetable on when Williams would be back on the field after suffering a torn ACL in January, preferring to take his time with their first-round pick.
The Lions can afford to be patient with Williams thanks to veterans like Josh Reynolds, who is not forgotten — but productive. 4 wideouts on the roster. After bypassing Williams, Reynolds is getting a chance to pitch in training camp.
Lions head coach Dan Campbell has liked Reynolds since Detroit claimed him off waivers last year. Year 2 in the Lions system could lead to a big season for Reynolds — a player Campbell is comparing to many speed bugs.
“I like this guy. I’m buying stock on him. I think he could have a big year,” Campbell said. “He’s a smooth athlete and he’s a grinder, he’s smart and Jared (Goff) trusts him. And so, I can’t say enough about that room in general and he’s a big part of it. Yes, but those guys are professionals over there and they work, and they’re smart.
“But he’s — I’ll tell you what he is — he’s different now. He’s a different athlete. There’s a slip — he’s slipping, man. I call him the ‘Praying Mantis,’ that death spider.” . He’s just – there’s something about him, so – creepy. So, I like where he’s at right now. I really do, I’m glad we got him.”
Reynolds proved productive in his seven games with the Lions, finishing with 19 catches for 306 yards and two touchdowns (16.1 yards per catch). He added stability to the wide receiver group when claimed in November, as St. Brown came out when he was added to the roster. St. Brown recorded 51 catches for 490 yards and four touchdowns in seven games with Reynolds. He had 59 catches for 601 yards and five touchdowns since Reynolds was added to the roster (eight games).
Reynolds’ nickname, Campbell, is one of many given to his players, which is becoming a tradition in Detroit. Part of the reason players enjoy Campbell.
“I love these guys, man, I do,” Campbell said. “I don’t know what they are, but I know they got it.”
