It's been an up and down training camp for Isaac TeSlaa with the Detroit Lions, and as practice begins to shift to more serious games, things are beginning to take shape for a new season.
Right now, it's tough to say much with certainty about Detroit's wideout group, other than it is deep and one of the best in the league. Even though that is the case, there is a major question about what TeSlaa will provide.
On one hand, he's provided highlight reel catches and had a fantastic offseason. On the other, he hasn't been consistent enough to earn a spot on the bench with the starters in the preseason. Once again on Saturday, TeSlaa was playing deep in the second-quarter against the Washington Commanders.
TeSlaa didn't register a stat in the game, and wasn't targeted in the passing game. As a result of that and a rough Week 1, questions have begun to swirl about what will hold for his future this season.
Pro Football Focus analyst Nathan Janhke had TeSlaa's disappearance as one of his biggest stories from Week 2, and hinted that it's eye-opening seeing the rising second year player going through ups and downs with the preseason nearly complete.
"Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams have been locked into Detroit’s top two wide receiver spots. Last season, TeSlaa competed with veteran Kalif Raymond for the third receiver role in 11 personnel. Raymond left for Chicago in free agency, seemingly opening the door for TeSlaa to take over those snaps."
"If the Lions fully trusted TeSlaa in that role, however, he likely would have rested with the starters in at least one of the first two preseason games. Detroit’s depth chart behind him remains unsettled, and ideally, those receivers would receive more playing time to help determine who makes the roster. Instead, TeSlaa played not only with the second-team offense that started the game but also alongside the third-team quarterback and offensive line. Greg Dortch and Cedrick Wilson Jr. appeared to be his closest competition last week, while Tay Martin was heavily involved this week."
The Lions might simply be allowing TeSlaa to work through his struggles and shake off rush, and it's probably not wise to read much into when certain players play during the preseason. It is certainly interesting that he has been boom or bust so far in his career. Consistency is what the Lions need most, and thus far in his career, TeSlaa has not offered that.
Right now, it's safe to say TeSlaa isn't impacting the game in the ways the Lions need with regularity to satisfy the coaching staff.
Dan Campbell has noted the intense depth in Lions' wide receiver room
No matter what happens with TeSlaa, the Lions have plenty of players who are impressing at wide receiver. It's been an intense battle during training camp and the preseason, and multiple different players are standing out on a daily basis.
Campbell spoke after the preseason win against the Commanders, and was impressed with what multiple players have brought to the table. As he said, it's hard to handicap where things are at with receivers considering the impression all of them have made at various points.
"The room is hard. I mean, that room is very difficult right now because there are guys are making plays. Between (Lucky Jackson) and Tay Martin (making plays), I thought (Greg) Dortch made some plays. I thought (Tom) Kennedy made some plays. (Dominic) Lovett made a couple of plays. It's a strong room. (Tarik) Black (made some plays).
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All of this isn't to say that TeSlaa is being passed by any of these players. Obviously, he offers plenty of excitement and brings a special potential to the offense. It is to say that the Lions may be searching for someone who makes plays a bit more consistently in their No. 3 wideout.
TeSlaa has plenty of upside, of course. At this point, though, it's fair to wonder if he is going to realize it completely and become the kind of consistent threat that makes him a regular menace at the NFL level.
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