Craig Reynolds is not going to cede anything in battle for No. 3 RB spot

Going undrafted out of Division II Kutztown automatically puts you behind the eight-ball to make it in the NFL. Being with three teams over two seasons, and playing a total of five games with one carry, one reception and 45 special teams snaps would probably push you toward another career path.

Not Craig Reynolds. Then at the start of a rebuild, the Detroit Lions signed him in August of 2021. He stuck on the practice squad through the season, then when he was called upon to play and take on the lead back role he performed well (4.7 yards per carry from Week 14-16; two games with more than 80 rushing yards).

Reynolds has mainly been a core special teamer over the last two seasons, with stray carries (64 total) and little bit of kickoff return duty over that span. He clearly has the affinity of Lions' coaches and his teammates, as evidenced outwardly by his touchdown in the playoff game against Tampa Bay last year.

Craig Reynolds clearly not going to roll over and cede Lions' No. 3 running back job

The Lions traded up to get Sione Vaki in April's draft, and despite mostly playing safety at Utah his stretch playing running back last season has the Lions envisioning him there. He's a lock to make the 53-man roster, with a prominent special teams role (at least) lined up for him.

If not for a season-ending shoulder injury early last season, Zonovan Knight may have eventually usurped Reynolds as the Lions' No. 3 running back. He's back, and back healthy, to compete for the role.

Reynolds has 22 career receptions, which isn't too bad considering he still hasn't reached 400 offensive snaps. During Friday's practice he showed out as a pass receiver, as noted in reports from the on ground at practice.

Tim Twentyman, Lions.com:
"Reynolds has always had good hands (22 career receptions) but he really showed them off in the red zone Friday. I had him down for a couple nice touchdown grabs, including one when he beat linebacker Alex Anzalone to the back pylon for a nice pitch and catch from Goff."

Justin Rogers, Detroit Football Network:
"Reynolds especially popped in the passing game. During a red-zone segment, he ran a crisp out route, making himself available to quarterback Jared Goff just inside the front pylon for a score in front of cornerback Carlton Davis III."
"A little later, Reynolds ran a wheel (route), getting behind linebacker Alex Anzalone for an over-the-shoulder touchdown."

It has been easy to suggest Reynolds is in danger of losing his job, or at least some snaps, to some combination of Vaki or Knight. But as expected, he's not going to just lay down and let anyone take anything from him without a fight. On Friday, he seized an early opportunity to shine in camp.