Josh Reynolds to make Lions debut vs. Browns

Oct 3, 2021; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets cornerback Bryce Hall (37) breaks up a pass intended for Tennessee Titans wide receiver Josh Reynolds (18) during the third quarter at MetLife Stadium Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021 in East Rutherford, N.J. Mandatory Credit: George Walker IV-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 3, 2021; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets cornerback Bryce Hall (37) breaks up a pass intended for Tennessee Titans wide receiver Josh Reynolds (18) during the third quarter at MetLife Stadium Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021 in East Rutherford, N.J. Mandatory Credit: George Walker IV-USA TODAY Sports

Josh Reynolds didn’t have enough time to get acclimated and play Week 10, but he will make his Lions debut Sunday against the Cleveland Browns.

After asking for his release from the Tennessee Titans, Josh Reynolds was claimed off waivers by the Detroit Lions last Wednesday. He practiced with his new team last Thursday, and while it seemed possible he could play against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 10, he was inactive.

On Monday, Lions head coach Dan Campbelll quickly confirmed Reynolds will suit up on Sunday against the Cleveland Browns.

One game after Amon-Ra St. Brown was the only Lions wide receiver to catch a pass (Week 8 against the Eagles), the rookie of USC led the way again against the Steelers with four catches for 61 yards. But Kalif Raymond (four catches for 29 yards) and Trinity Benson (two catches for 17 yards) showed the other Lions’ wide receivers indeed have a pulse. Regardless, Reynolds should get plenty of snaps in his Lions’ debut.

What does Josh Reynolds bring to the table?

Coming out of Texas A&M in 2017, Reynolds posted a high-end Relative Athletic Score.

The primary issue for Reynolds in his NFL career has been opportunity. The Titans traded for Julio Jones after signing him, and then he fell down the pecking order during the preseason. Over four seasons with the Los Angeles Rams, he was behind the likes of Cooper Kupp, Robert Woods and Brandin Cooks for all or some of that time. He played a career-best 72 percent of the Rams’ offensive snaps in 2020, and had career-highs in catches (52) and yards (618).

In Detroit, Reynolds will of course reunite with former Rams quarterback Jared Goff. He can play in the slot (32 snaps with the Titans this year) and on the outside. As the Lions expand St. Brown’s usage all over the field, Reynolds is lined up to be another versatile piece for a pass offense that needs all the spark it can get.

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