Tag: Kalif Raymond

Lions vs Bears: Initial injury report medical analysis

Lions vs Bears: Initial injury report and medical analysis for the Week 16 matchup

The last game vs the Bills was a brutal one for the Lions as three players were placed on IR (Alim McNeill, Carlton Davis, and Khalil Dorsey) with another one pending (David Montgomery).

There are still three regular season games left with the valuable #1 seed in play. It will be interesting to watch the snap counts of key players going forward.

The Bears have a couple injuries along the offensive line to watch this week.

DETROIT LIONS

David Montgomery RB – knee (NP)

Montgomery is reported to have an MCL sprain that is severe enough to be considering surgery.

Dan Campbell today and Montgomery yesterday both stated that the decision regarding his injury is pending. Presumably the decision is between 1) getting season-ending surgery, or 2) seeing if it can heal on its own well enough to return this season.

Most MCL injuries, even complete tears, can heal without surgery, so there may be a complicating factor such as a distal tear, avulsion, ligament entrapment, or multi-ligament injury.

Brian Branch S – calf (NP)

Branch reached for his right leg late in the 4th quarter which could have been when he hurt his calf. He finished the game with a slight limp. In the prior game vs the Packers, he had calf cramping at the end of the game which is probably unrelated. A calf strain could cause some missed time so keep an eye on his practice status over the course of this week.

Graham Glasgow OG – knee (NP)

Glasgow played 100% of snaps vs the Bills, and I didn’t see any obvious knee issue. He may have also injured a knee in week two but hasn’t missed a game this year.

Trevor Nowaske LB – concussion (FP)

Nowaske suffered his concussion in practice last week but the FP means he should play on Sunday.

Ifeatu Melifonwu S – hand (FP)

The previous “finger” listing has turned into a “hand”. Regardless, he is starting is 21-day practice window immediately after his four-week IR stint which means he could be ready to play this weekend.

REST designation thus no injury

Taylor Decker
Frank Ragnow
DJ Reader
Za’Darius Smith
Amon-Ra St. Brown
Kevin Zeitler

NOTABLES

Amon-Ra St. Brown

Played with “food poisoning” last game. Medically, this is likely infectious gastroenteritis which is usually not serious but can cause dehydration and weakness. Typically resolves within 2-3 days so there shouldn’t be any issue for this weekend.

Alim McNeill

Placed on IR with ACL tear. Expected return around November 2025.

Carlton Davis

Placed on IR with jaw fracture. Could be back in six weeks for NFC championship game.

Khalil Dorsey

Placed on IR with ankle/leg fracture. No chance of return this season but good chance to be recovered by start of next season.

IR LIST STATUS UPDATE

Returning soon

  • Alex Anzalone, left forearm fracture – I’m surprised that his 21-day practice window did not open today. I was expecting him to be ready by the Vikings game which will be seven weeks post injury and only 18 days away. There is still a chance he could start practice later this week, but if he doesn’t, then we might not see him until the playoffs.
  • Kalif Raymond, left foot – Expected by the start of the playoffs. His 21-day practice window is eligible to open next week and should open next week.

Early playoffs at best

  • Ennis Rakestraw, hamstring – Eligible to return this week vs the Bears but his 21-day practice window did not open today. This means he won’t play this weekend and may be more than three weeks away.
  • Jalen Reeves-Maybin, neck – Eligible to return anytime but has not had his 21-day practice window opened yet. This implies he is at least three weeks away. He is signed through the 2025 season.

Late playoffs is possible

  • Carlton Davis, jaw fracture – Initial estimated recovery of six weeks would put him at the NFC championship game. Unrestricted free agent after this year.
  • Aidan Hutchinson, left tib/fib fracture – Expecting very limited action in the Super Bowl. Hutchinson has significant expected atrophy in his legs so it all depends on how quickly rehab goes. In 3rd year of 4-year rookie contract with 5th-year option. Expect an extension this coming offseason.

Not expected to return

  • Derrick Barnes, right MCL/PCL surgery – Unlikely to be back. Unrestricted free agent after this year.
  • John Cominsky, MCL surgery – On December 18, Dan Campbell stated he was unlikely to return this season. Unrestricted free agent after this year.
  • Alim McNeill, right ACL – Expect his return around October-November of 2025. Signed an extension this past offseason through the 2028 season.
  • Khalil Dorsey, right ankle/leg fracture – Unrestricted free agent this offseason.
  • Malcolm Rodriguez, right ACL – Expect his return around October 2025. Next season will be the final year of his rookie contract.
  • Marcus Davenport, left elbow – Unrestricted free agent this offseason.
  • Kyle Peko, left pec – Unrestricted free agent this offseason.
  • Mekhi Wingo, right knee – In 1st year of four-year rookie contract.

IR return count

  • Lions have used 4 of 10 returns with Brodric Martin, Emmanuel Moseley, and Ifeatu Melifonwu twice. With 6 potential candidates, it’s unlikely the Lions will run out of return slots unless more players go on IR.
  • David Montgomery’s status is up-in-the-air and if he could return in a few weeks, the Lions may decide to carry him on the active roster instead of using up an IR-return slot.

CHICAGO BEARS

Braxton Jones OL – concussion (NP)

Jones is the starting LT and missed last game with this concussion. The NP means he might miss another.

Teven Jenkins OL – calf (NP)

Jenkins is the starting LG. He played 96% snaps last game.

Gervon Dexter DL – knee (NP)

Dexter is a starting DT that missed last game and might miss another.

Ryan Bates OL – concussion (NP)

Bates has only appeared in three games this year and has missed the last four games.

Darrell Taylor DL – shoulder (FP)

Taylor is a backup DE who appeared to hurt his left shoulder last game.

Roschon Johnson RB – concussion (FP)

Johnson has missed the last two games but looks to be ready. He has 139 rushing yards on the year behind starter D’Andre Swift.

 

Detroit Lions I.R. list status update after the Bills game

Breaking down the Detroit Lions I.R. list status update after the Bills game

Three more Lions defenders will almost certainly land on IR after the Bills game – Alim McNeill, Carlton Davis, and Khalil Dorsey. Unfortunately, all of them are long-term injuries with Davis being the only one with a chance to come back this season.

David Montgomery also sustained a more-serious-than-expected knee injury (MCL) that will require surgery and put him out for the year.

At some point (maybe now), the Lions will need to calculate if they have enough IR-return slots remaining, and if they should carry short-term injuries on the active roster instead of putting them on IR. I explain more at the end of this article.

Returning soon

  • Alex Anzalone, left forearm fracture – Expect his 21-day practice window to open this week with a possible return to play in week 17 vs the 49ers or week 18 vs the Vikings.
  • Ifeatu Melifonwu, left finger – Today (Monday), Dan Campbell stated that his 21-day practice window would open this week. This means he could play this Sunday vs the Bears.
  • Kalif Raymond, left foot – Expected by the start of the playoffs. His 21-day practice window should open after this week’s Bears game.

Early playoffs at best

  • Ennis Rakestraw, hamstring – Eligible to return this week vs the Bears. Dan Campbell on Monday implied that his 21-day practice window would not open this week. This suggests he is at least three more weeks away.
  • Jalen Reeves-Maybin, neck – Eligible to return anytime but has not had his 21-day practice window opened yet. This implies he is at least 3 weeks away. At this point, his earliest projected return would be in the playoffs. Dan Campbell on December 9 corroborated a multi-week timeline stating he’s “better… There’s a chance we could get him in a few weeks.” While there are no details about his neck injury, this update is reassuring that it isn’t anything overly serious. He is signed through the 2025 season.

Late playoffs at best

  • Carlton Davis, jaw fracture – Initial estimated recovery of six weeks would put him at the NFC championship game. Unrestricted free agent after this year.
  • Aidan Hutchinson, left tib/fib fracture – Expecting very limited action in the Super Bowl although Jay Glazer reported that the NFC championship game is a possibility. Hutchinson has significant expected atrophy in his legs so it all depends on how quickly rehab goes. In 3rd year of 4-year rookie contract with 5th-year option. Expect an extension this coming offseason.
  • John Cominsky, MCL surgery – Initial estimate projected a January return at best. Unrestricted free agent after this year.
  • Derrick Barnes, right MCL/PCL surgery – Unlikely to be back. Unrestricted free agent after this year.

Not expected to return

  • David Montgomery, right MCL surgery – No details yet but hopefully he will be fully recovered for the start of next season.
  • Alim McNeill, right ACL – Expect his return around October-November of 2025. Signed an extension this past offseason through the 2028 season.
  • Khalil Dorsey, right ankle/leg fracture – Unrestricted free agent this offseason.
  • Malcolm Rodriguez, right ACL – Expect his return around October 2025. Next season will be the final year of his rookie contract.
  • Marcus Davenport, left elbow – Unrestricted free agent this offseason.
  • Kyle Peko, left pec – Unrestricted free agent this offseason.
  • Mekhi Wingo, right knee – In 1st year of four-year rookie contract.

NFL IR RETURN RULES AND STRATEGY

Lions can return as may IR players as they want in the playoffs as long as it doesn’t add up to more than 10 for the entire year (regular season 8 + playoffs 2). So far, the Lions have returned four – Brodric Martin, Emmanuel Moseley, Ifeatu Melifonwu twice.

Expect Anzalone and Raymond to take two spots and Hutchinson to have a spot reserved for him just in case. This leaves just three returns left with four defenders (Rakestraw, Davis, Reeves-Maybin, Cominsky) being the likely options.

If the Lions feel that all four defenders can return, then it is possible that an offensive player like Raymond could be sacrificed to help the defense. Or the Lions could avoid that decision entirely by not putting Davis on IR and  carrying him on the active roster. He would just be one of the seven inactives on gameday every week.

There are still three games left in the season so more injuries are possible, and more short-term injured players may need to be carried on the roster.

Hope index for each of the Detroit Lions injured reserve players

Hope index for each of the Detroit Lions injured reserve players and if/when they can return to action, including Aidan Hutchinson and Derrick Barnes

Hope and optimism are filling the air this holiday season for Lions fans. There is more reason for hope than any season in decades with an NFL-leading 11-1 record. With the playoffs rapidly approaching, team health from this point forward will be a major factor in determining their fate.

Let’s check the outlook of the players on injured reserve (IR) using quotes about hope from some of my favorite movies.

“You must complete your mission. You must lay the seeds for the future. You’re here to influence history and worlds to come.”

– Mr. Robertson in Predestination

Aidan Hutchinson – left tibia/fibula fracture, October 13

This superstar DE was on the short list for defensive player of the year before his injury. The timeline for a tib/fib recovery is typically at least four months.

The Super Bowl is 17 weeks from the time of his injury. I expect him to return for the big game, albeit in limited fashion and with limited ability. He won’t have his usual quickness, strength, or stamina, but he may still be effective as a decoy and distraction to the opponent. The greatest value of his early return may be off-the-field as an inspirational, emotional boost to the team and the fanbase.

Next season, he should be back to his elite self as he cements his influence on Lions history.

“I do not believe it to be a matter of hope, it is simply a matter of time.”

– Morpheus in The Matrix

These players have short-term injuries that will allow them to return for the start of the playoffs or even before.

Alex Anzalone – left forearm fracture, November 17

This speedy starting LB has an estimated 6-8 week recovery for his forearm. The silver lining to the injury is that his legs are unaffected allowing him to return stronger and fresher than before. December 30 (Week 17) or January 5 (Week 18) are likely dates for his return.

Kalif Raymond – left foot, November 24

The Lions’ primary kick returner and valuable backup WR fortunately avoided a serious foot injury. He is expected to be back at the latest for the start of the playoffs, and is eligible to return with two games left in the regular season on December 30.

“I will see you again. But not yet. Not yet.”

– Juba in Gladiator

It’s unknown whether we will see these players yet again this season due to uncertain severity and prognosis. But they are signed with the Lions for future years, so if they don’t return this season, we should see them in the next.

Jalen Reeves-Maybin – neck, November 3

This special-teams captain and valuable backup LB has an unspecified neck injury. He is eligible to return December 5 (week 14) and is signed through the 2025 season.

Ennis Rakestraw – hamstring, November 22

This 2nd-round rookie has had two hamstring issues this season. The first one in September cost him two games. The second will cost at least four games with the earliest possible return date of December 22 (week 16). He is in the 1st year of his 4-year rookie contract.

“Hope Can Be A Dangerous Thing.”

– Red in The Shawshank Redemption

Ifeatu Melifonwu – ankle, August 17; finger, November 14

After ending last season in spectacular fashion, there was hope that Melifonwu could build on that this year. Unfortunately, multiple prolonged injuries this year made hope for his return a dangerous thing.

After an injury to his ankle area in preseason, there was an uncertain recovery causing a delayed placement on IR. I suspect Achilles tendonitis, given the uncertain recovery timeline.

After he started his practice window in November, he was placed on IR a second time with an unspecified finger injury. The recovery timeline of the finger is unknown, and it’s not even certain that the ankle/Achilles is ready-to-go.

Hope is fading that he can help the team at all this year. The earliest he can return is December 22 (week 16).

“My mama always told me that miracles happen every day. Some people don’t think so, but they do.”

– Forrest in Forrest Gump

These players have long-term injuries with recovery timelines of multiple months. It may take a minor miracle for them to return for the playoffs.

John Cominsky – MCL, July 30

The “Commish” had MCL surgery with an estimated 5-6 month recovery. If the estimate is accurate, he could be back in January. His return would aide both the DT and DE positions as he can effectively play both.

Derrick Barnes – right MCL & PCL, September 22

This hybrid LB/DE had surgery for an MCL and PCL injury. There is still a glimmer of hope he could return late in the playoffs. However, he will need to make fast progress in rehab as he was only just getting on an exercise bike in mid-November.

“Hope is a mistake. If you can’t fix what’s broken, you’ll go insane.”

– Max in Mad Max: Fury Road

For these players, hope for a return this season is a mistake. Their injuries will have been surgically fixed and require a long recovery.

Malcolm Rodriguez – right ACL, November 28

Rodrigo tore his ACL on Thanksgiving. The recovery timeline is around 11 months so hopefully he’ll be back around October next year. Expect him to start training camp on the PUP (physically unable to perform) list. He is signed through the 2025 season on his rookie contract.

Marcus Davenport – left elbow, September 22

This free agent was signed to start at DE opposite Hutchinson but only appeared in two games before hurting his left elbow. Scattered reports suggest a triceps rupture and there does not appear to be any possibility he’ll be back this season.

Kyle Peko – left pec rupture, October 13

This valuable backup DT ruptured his pec requiring surgery. Given the importance of pec strength to his position, there is no hope for a return this season.

Mekhi Wingo – right knee, November 28

Dan Campbell stated that this 6th-round rookie DT would be out for the season with an unspecified knee injury that will probably require surgery.

“Welcome to the party, pal!”

– John McClane in Die Hard

Congrats to these players who have battled through long stints on IR to join the active roster party.

Brodric Martin – right knee hyperextension, August 24

This 2nd-year DT played for the first time this season on Thanksgiving with two defensive snaps. With injuries mounting along the defensive line, his workload may spike in the next game.

Emmanuel Moseley – pec rupture, August 5

This 28-year-old CB has recovered from pec surgery, not to mention ACL tears each of the past two years. On November 24, he returned to play 15 special teams snaps vs the Colts. Unexpectedly, he was inactive the next game vs the Bears due to a minor unspecified pregame issue.

And one final quote, for all Lions fans in the midst of this glorious season…

“The unknown future rolls toward us. I face it, for the first time, with a sense of hope.”

– Sarah Connor in Terminator 2

Kalif Raymond headed to Lions’ injured reserve, per report

The Lions are set to place WR/PR Kalif Raymond on injured reserve with his foot injury, per a report from Ian Rapoport

The foot injury suffered by Lions wide receiver and punt returner Kalif Raymond in the Week 12 win over the Colts is going to land the veteran on Detroit’s injured reserve. That’s per a report from Ian Rapoport, one which jibes with what Lions head coach Dan Campbell has talked about in regards to Raymond’s injury status.

This comes a day after Campbell noted that the team was waiting for a second opinion on Raymond and his injured foot. Raymond was carted off from the sidelines after falling awkwardly on a punt return inside Lucas Oil Field on Sunday.

Rapoport notes that Raymond could return before the end of the regular season and the injury is not considered to be season-ending.

Who replaces Raymond on punt returns?

Amon-Ra St. Brown took over as the punt returner in Raymond’s absence. After initially stating that St. Brown wasn’t going to return punts against the Chicago Bears on Thanksgiving, Campbell subsequently brought up that it could be St. Brown,

“Yeah, we are. I’m still trying to think about that because part of me says let’s just use (St. Brown) Saint again because he is the most reliable, so we may just do that. You know what, we’re going to do that. We’re going to do that.”

The Lions do have other options, including rookie RB Sione Vaki, CB Khalil Dorsey, RB Craig Reynolds and the option of using practice squad WR Maurice Alexander, who could also fill Raymond’s role as a depth wide receiver.

Amon-Ra St. Brown might not be the Lions punt returner on Thanksgiving

Amon-Ra St. Brown won’t be the Lions punt returner in Week 13 against the Bears after filling in for injured Kalif Raymond in Week 12

When Lions punt return specialist Kalif Raymond departed Sunday’s win in Indianapolis with a foot injury, the next man up to field punts was All-Pro wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown. For a team already ravaged by injuries, seeing such a critical piece of the offense playing in that role caused some serious trepidation.

That worry proved valid, considering St. Brown appeared to suffer a minor knee injury on a punt return, one that kept him ruled out of Monday’s practice.

In his weekly radio spot with 97.1 The Ticket in Detroit, Lions head coach Dan Campbell indicated that St. Brown was the best option at the time. However, Campbell admitted the Lions will have a different punt returner for Thursday’s NFC North matchup in Ford Field against the Chicago Bears.

“Now that we’re in another week, we’re gonna have probably a different returner,” Campbell told the hosts. “And if we need Saint (St. Brown) in a critical then we’ll use him. But that was really why he was in there, because he’s sure-handed and we know he’ll get the job done.”

Detroit does have some intriguing options to replace Raymond, who could be out for some time with the foot injury. Cornerback Khalil Dorsey has return experience in both college and the NFL, though primarily running back kicks, not punts. Rookie RB Sione Vaki and vet RB Craig Reynolds each got ample reps in training camp as punt returners, too.

Update:

Campbell has since walked back his earlier comments. During his press conference on Tuesday, Campbell stated,

“Yeah, we are. I’m still trying to think about that because part of me says let’s just use (St. Brown) Saint again because he is the most reliable, so we may just do that. You know what, we’re going to do that. We’re going to do that.”

 

 

Lions post-week 12 medical report and analysis

Lions post-week 12 medical report and analysis for all the injured Detroit players

Aside from a possible long-term injury to Kalif Raymond, early indications are that the Lions had a fairly healthy game vs the Colts. There were some minor scares though which could still impact the Thanksgiving game.

The Lions released an estimated injury report on Monday due to the short week game on Thanksgiving. All the players below had a “No Practice (NP)” on Monday.

DJ Reader also had an NP due to an illness. Terrion Arnold returned to a “Full Practice” with his groin. Arnold hurt his groin during practice last week and missed the Colts game.

Dan Campbell on Monday stated: “There’s probably three of them that [might not play]… It’s going to come down to the wire. The good news is that most of these are not a long-term thing.” Campbell specifically mentioned Taylor Decker, Carlton Davis, Kalif Raymond, and Amon-Ra St. Brown as possibly missing the Thanksgiving game.

Here are the injuries along with suspected diagnoses.

Kalif Raymond – left foot or toe sprain 3q 7:41

Raymond awkwardly lands hard on his left foot with hyperextended toes. The concerns here include a Lisfranc or turf toe injury with a turf toe being preferable. There are 26 bones in the foot so a lot of other things are possible.

A Lisfranc injury is a sprain or fracture of the midfoot area. Even a mild Lisfranc can be a 4-8 week recovery. A severe Lisfranc can be a career changer as Lions fans have seen in the past with Kevin Jones and Ameer Abdullah.

Taylor Decker – right MCL & right ankle sprain 3q 6:00

Decker was rolled up on here. The right ankle externally rotated which can cause a high ankle sprain. The right knee also appeared to bend inward slightly causing an MCL sprain. He left the game but was able to return the next drive which suggests mild severity.

While there is no long-term concern, even a mild MCL or high ankle sprain can lead to missed games.

On the Monday report, Decker was listed only with a knee and not an ankle.

David Montgomery – mild right shoulder contusion 3q 4:32

A direct blow to the right shoulder caused Montgomery to exit the game and not return. He stated after the game that he could have played if necessary which suggests there was no significant damage to the shoulder. A contusion or AC joint sprain are possible.

Based on Montgomery’s postgame comments and body language, the expectation is that he will be playing on Thanksgiving.

Carlton Davis – left knee area strain 4q 10:18

The non-contact injury to the knee with a slight valgus (inward) buckling can be seen with ACL tears. We saw this on video last year with Emmanuel Moseley and Nate Sudfeld. Fortunately, early signs are that Davis does not have an ACL tear. Video showed the orthopedist performing the Lachman ACL test which he passed.

It’s unlikely he has any other significant knee ligament damage either. A meniscus tear is also unlikely but an MRI will be obtained to confirm.

I’m suspecting a strain of one of the muscles or tendons attaching to the posterior knee area. Early signs are that the injury is minor.

Amon-Ra St. Brown – knee

St. Brown is surprisingly listed on the Monday injury report with a knee injury. I reviewed the game video and nothing jumped out. He looked to have no issues during the game and played until the end of the 4th quarter. I’m not expecting anything serious at this point and think there is a good chance he will be available on Thanksgiving.

UPDATE: After his punt return in the 4th quarter, he had a slight limp and reached for the right lateral knee and upper calf area. Hopefully, it’s just a mild muscle strain or knee contusion. He finished the game without obvious issues.

 

 

Kalif Raymond leaves game with foot injury

Kalif Raymond leaves game with foot injury

Lions wide receiver Kalif Raymond suffered a foot injury during Sunday’s game against the Colts. He was initially listed as questionable to return. He has since been downgraded to out.

Raymond was injured during a punt return in the third quarter. He initially limped off the field but was eventually carted off to the locker room.

He then walked back out to the sideline and was later carted back to the locker room. The hope is it’s not a serious injury but it is concerning that he has been carted to the locker room twice.

Detroit Lions players keep racking up awards

Detroit Lions players keep racking up awards, with Kalif Raymond, Jahmyr Gibbs and Jared Goff all being honored this week

Clear off the mantles, because there is some fresh hardware that needs a home for a few Detroit Lions players.

In the wake of Detroit’s 52-14 win over the Tennessee Titans in Week 8, the awards keep coming in for some Lions. Wideout Kalif Raymond earned the NFC Special Teams Player of the Week for his standout performance on punt returns.

He’s been joined by running back Jahmyr Gibbs, who did something no Lions player has ever done before. Gibbs captured the FedEx Ground Player of the Week for the second consecutive week.

But wait, there’s more!

Quarterback Jared Goff earned the NFC Offensive Player of the Month for October. He’s the first Lions QB to ever win that honor.

 

[lawrence-related id=114255]

Lions putting the ‘special’ in special teams in 2024

The Detroit Lions special teams under coordinator Dave Fipp are off to a record-setting start through Week 8

By now, most fans around the country know all about the high-powered Detroit Lions offense. Coordinator Ben Johnson is one of the most recognizable assistant coaches for his creativity and Detroit’s prodigious production. It’s the No. 1 scoring offense in the league.

Defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn is earning a lot more praise lately, too. His defense has markedly improved across the board, even with a barrage of injuries to pass rushers. Detroit’s scoring defense ranks 8th, and no team is better at defending third downs than Glenn’s Lions.

That helps set the table for the Lions special teams. The performance of the punt and kick units merits considerably more attention for Detroit’s other coordinator, special teams guru Dave Fipp.

Like his more celebrated coaching mates in Detroit, Fipp has crafted a fantastic unit. After a Week 8 performance that saw Kalif Raymond earn NFC Special Teams Player of the Week, Khalil Dorsey run back a kickoff for 70 yards, and punter Jack Fox had one of the best punting days in NFL history, it’s time to show Fipp a little love.

As noted by The 33rd Team, Fipp’s special teams are having an amazing season. Detroit ranks first for any team in any season since 2000 in net punting yards and yards per kickoff return. Factor in a perfect start on field goals by kicker Jake Bates and a clean protection for the specialists, and these Lions do indeed have very special special teams in 2024.

It’s a testament to the team’s depth, Fipp’s teaching and coaching prowess, and a team-wide emphasis on winning with all three units.

Kalif Raymond earns NFC Special Teams Player of the Week

Kalif Raymond earns NFC Special Teams Player of the Week for his return work vs. the Titans in Week 8

Congratulations are in order for Detroit Lions wide receiver Kalif Raymond. Though Raymond caught a touchdown pass in Detroit’s 52-14 win over the Tennessee Titans in Week 8, it’s his work on special teams that earned Raymond a spot in the record books.

Raymond was named the NFC Special Teams Player of the Week for his incredible returns on punts against Tennessee. No. 11 had the biggest day of punt returns in his career and one of the biggest in NFL history. Raymond netted 190 yards on five punt returns, including a thrilling 90-yard touchdowns return that came with Detroit’s starting defense on the field instead of his typical blocking unit.

Raymond very nearly ran three punts back for touchdowns. He got caught from behind on one return while setting up a final block inside the Titans’ 30-yard line, and another huge return was wiped out by a holding penalty. With his touchdown reception, Raymond became the first player in NFL history to score on a reception and a punt return in the same game.