The Detroit Lions needed plenty of grit to survive on the road against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, and running back Craig Reynolds supplied a big dose of it.
Reynolds went into Week 6 not likely expecting to play a big role, but was thrust into action when David Montgomery sustained a rib injury that would keep him out for the rest of the game. While Reynolds didn't have a large stat line, he made winning plays for his team.
Reynolds didn''t waste time making an impact. He huge delivered a huge block to spring Amon-Ra St. Brown for a critical touchdown just before halftime:
This block by Craig Reynolds is the definition of MCDC football
— Evan Fox (@evanfoxy) October 15, 2023
pic.twitter.com/xcKqCxb2Y2
Later, Reynolds would make a clutch 28-yard catch on third down in the third quarter to help keep the offense moving. While he only rushed for 15 yards on 10 carries, Reynolds also pass protected decently, stepping in for Montgomery seamlessly there.
The ability of Reynolds to not only deliver a big block but hold his own on the field is not only admirable, but important. It gives the Lions a lift to see a player like Reynolds laying everything on the line and having success doing so.
Reynolds is the perfect personification of the culture the Lions have built, and Detroit likely doesn't survive on the road without him.
Dan Campbell praises Craig Reynolds for being a good teammate
After the game, head coach Dan Campbell was the first to praise Reynolds and highlight what he does that's not always seen.
"It was outstanding. You talk about a guy who plays for the guys around him and does things right. He shows up in critical times when not everybody sees him. Honestly, he does stuff like that all the time. That was just huge."
"Next man up" has been a consistent refrain for the Lions this season, amid plenty of injuries. On Sunday, it was Reynolds who stepped up and personified a gritty win on the road.