Detroit Lions sign veteran KR/PR DeAndre Carter

The Detroit Lions have acquired veteran return specialist DeAndre Carter following a workout session on Thursday, October 15. According to The Ringer, Carter participated in the exercise after playing four games with the Cleveland Browns last season. With over eight years of NFL experience, Carter has consistently demonstrated his proficiency as a return man, maintaining an average of 23.6 yards per kick return and 9.7 yards per punt return throughout his career.

The Lions faced a setback when their returner, Tom Kennedy, suffered a season-ending knee injury during a game against the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, October 11. Coach Dan Campbell announced that the team would seek external talent to fill the void left by Kennedy's absence. Kennedy, known for his prowess in handling kick returns, was the team's primary return man, managing all punt returns and sharing kick returns with Jacob Saylors.

Kennedy's statistics speak volumes, with a remarkable average of 13.2 yards per punt return and 24.8 yards per kick return, placing him sixth in the NFL.

DeAndre Carter, a Sacramento State alumnus, completed one of two return men's workouts for the Lions on Thursday, joining fellow prospect Steven Sims. Sacramento State graduate Carter was one of the two return men who underwent evaluations for the Lions on Thursday, alongside Steven Sims. Following the departure of Tom Kennedy, Amon-Ra St. Brown assumed the responsibility of handling punt returns in Kennedy's stead and may continue to do so on a limited basis for the remainder of the season.

Dave Birkett, the Lions' correspondent for the Detroit Free Press, reported on the development, providing further insight into the team's strategy to bolster its return game. Birkett can be reached at dbirkett@freepress.com, and he can also be followed on Bluesky, X, and Instagram under the handle @davebirkett.