Detroit Lions Officially Reveal Tom Kennedy’s Role to Start 2026 Season
Dave Fipp confirmed Tom Kennedy will return punts for the Detroit Lions against the Saints after Dan Campbell hinted at the move Wednesday.
The Detroit Lions have officially announced Tom Kennedy's role for the start of the 2026 season. Special teams coordinator Dave Fipp revealed that Kennedy will return punts in their Week 1 game against the New Orleans Saints, as reported by Brad Galli. Dave Fipp expressed his excitement for Kennedy, noting that the Lions had been treating him as a legitimate return candidate during training camp.
In August, Fipp narrowed the punt-return competition to Kennedy and Dortch, making Kennedy's special-teams value a crucial part of their roster decisions. Kennedy's production in 2025, averaging 16.7 yards on three punt returns and 27.9 yards on 16 kickoff returns, demonstrated his capability in the role. As a result, his return game filled a vacancy left by the release of Dortch.
Although Kennedy remains on Detroit's practice squad, he will either need to be elevated or signed to the active roster before he can play in Sunday's game.
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