Kennedy reportedly needs season-ending MCL surgery after Lions win

Tom Kennedy’s knee injury is expected to require surgery and end his season, NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo and Ian Rapoport reported Monday. Further testing revealed significant MCL damage after the Lions returner left Sunday’s win over Arizona.

The report changes the outlook from Dan Campbell’s initial assessment. Detroit’s coach had hoped Kennedy’s absence would be shorter, Garafolo reported, but the subsequent testing showed a more serious injury.

Kennedy’s absence affects Detroit’s return game. In his Monday observations, Lions reporter Tim Twentyman noted that Kennedy had been handling punts and kickoffs. Amon-Ra St. Brown took over on punt returns Sunday and produced a 31-yard return.

That emergency work does not settle the longer-term assignment. Detroit enters its bye week before facing Green Bay in Week 7, giving the team time to choose how it wants to handle returns. Twentyman described St. Brown’s possible continued role as something to monitor.

Kennedy has not caught a pass this season, NBC Sports reported. His contribution on special teams makes the injury consequential even without receiving production. The Lions won 45-21 in Arizona, but the returner’s reported surgery leaves another job to fill as they prepare for the next division game.

Sources

Return duties after Kennedy injury · NFL: Monday injury updates · NBC: Kennedy injury outlook changes