The Detroit Lions’ decision to move on from Greg Dortch stood out as one of the more unexpected roster calls of camp, but it does not look like a move that should send the season off course.
Dortch arrived with a familiar name and some obvious appeal. He was a free-agent addition who knew new offensive coordinator Drew Petzing, and plenty of people around the team expected that background to help him carve out a role.
Instead, as camp went on, his work with the first unit shrank, and the staff never seemed fully comfortable locking him into a game-day spot. In the preseason finale against the Colts, he logged 21 offensive snaps.
That made the cut even more notable, especially after what many described as a strong summer from the 28-year-old. Some observers felt Dortch had a better camp than second-year receiver Isaac TeSlaa. With Kalif Raymond gone to the Chicago Bears in free agency, there was also a natural path for Dortch to fill a useful niche in Detroit’s offense, the same kind of productive role Raymond had handled in recent seasons.
The other issue hanging over the decision was special teams. Once Dortch was released, the Lions were left with a real question about who would handle kick and punt returns.
Brad Holmes also cut Tom Kennedy and Dominic Lovett, both of whom had return experience. Kennedy is now on the practice squad, which leaves open the possibility that he could be one of the early elevations.
The staff could also turn to running backs Jacob Saylors and Jabari Small for return work.
Still, the fact that every NFL team had a chance to claim Dortch, and he ultimately landed on the Buffalo Bills practice squad, says something. Evaluators clearly saw enough limitations to let him pass through.
His size is always part of the conversation, and that brings extra attention to how well he blocks and how consistently he can break tackles. He also is not the kind of receiver who is going to stretch defenses vertically in most offenses.
Holmes may also have viewed Tay Martin as the more attractive roster hold because Martin can contribute on special teams as well. And while Dortch’s departure raised eyebrows, it should not meaningfully change Detroit’s outlook for the season ahead.
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