{
  "id": 888557,
  "title": "Dan Campbell Backs Lions Struggling WR",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/14/dan-campbell-backs-lions-struggling-wr",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-14T16:56:16.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Newsweek",
    "slug": "newsweek",
    "url": "https://www.newsweek.com/dan-campbell-backs-lions-struggling-wr-12324474"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Detroit Lions initially anticipated a strong performance from their second-year wide receiver, Isaac TeSlaa, during the 2025 season. However, TeSlaa has been struggling significantly in both training camp and the team's initial preseason game. In the game, TeSlaa failed to catch any passes despite having three targets, including a dropped ball that resulted in an interception. Lions head coach Dan Campbell remains unconcerned about TeSlaa's early difficulties. \"All it takes is a couple of wins,\" Campbell stated to the Detroit Free Press' Dave Birkett, suggesting that TeSlaa could rapidly improve with a few wins against practice opponents and in actual games. TeSlaa's progression seems to be reminiscent of his rookie year, when he enjoyed success, amassing 16 catches for 239 yards and six touchdowns. Consequently, TeSlaa was expected to join the Lions' wide receiver corps as the third-best option behind Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams. However, some are beginning to question if TeSlaa merits his current position. TeSlaa has two more preseason games to recover from his current slump, but if his performance does not improve, a discussion regarding his role may become necessary. TeSlaa is a third-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, having played college football at Hillsdale (2020-22) and Arkansas (2023-24), where he amassed 62 catches for 897 yards and five touchdowns between 2023 and 2024.",
  "summary": "Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell is not ready to give up on his struggling wide receiver.",
  "key_points": [
    "Detroit Lions expected strong performance from Isaac TeSlaa.",
    "TeSlaa struggled in preseason, no catches in first game.",
    "Head coach Dan Campbell optimistic about TeSlaa's improvement."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}