After coming aboard this week, will Josh Reynolds play for the Lions on Sunday?
The Detroit Lions were never going to place a waiver claim on Odell Beckham Jr., but they did make an addition to their wide receiver room this week. Josh Reynolds asked for and received his release from the Tennessee Titans, and the Lions claimed him off waivers.
When Reynolds hit free agency last offseason after four seasons with the Los Angeles Rams, it was easy to tie him to the Lions. Former Rams director of college scouting Brad Holmes was Detroit’s new general manager, and former Rams quarterback Jared Goff was the Lions’ new signal caller. But he instead signed a one-year deal with the Titans.
Reynolds was pushed down the pecking order in Tennessee when they traded for Julio Jones, then a preseason injury led to him being usurped by others on the depth chart. In five games played this season, he has 10 catches (on 13 targets) for 90 yards (six catches for 59 yards in one game).
Reynolds will have a better opportunity to play in Detroit over the rest of the season, before he hits the free agent market again in March.
Will Josh Reynolds play for the Lions on Sunday?
Reynolds was claimed off waivers by the Lions on Wednesday, and he practiced on Thursday. He’s stepping into a new offense, with little practice time to get acclimated. History and past rapport with Goff is helpful in some sense, and via Justin Rogers of the Detroit News Reynolds is looking forward to the opportunity to be a prominent target for Goff.
“Oh man, it’s what I came for,” Reynolds said. “I’ve been preparing my whole career for it, preparing like I was a starter regardless of whether I wasn’t or not, and hoping it’s time to have it pay off. That’s what I’m excited for.”
Via Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press, Reynolds is ready to do whatever he’s asked to do.
“Coming in halfway through the season, I’ve got to make the best of my opportunities no matter how little or how much,” Reynolds said. “I’m here to help the team, whether it’s coaching guys up or catching passes, it doesn’t really matter. I’m here to help these guys win and build this culture.”
Lions offensive coordinator Anthony Lynn said, however obviously, he is not sure how much Reynolds will be able to help on Sunday against the Pittsburgh Steelers since he just arrived. There’s a chance he’s a healthy scratch, but from this corner there’s no reason for Reynolds to not be in uniform (wearing #8) and see at least a few snaps with the offense right away.