Detroit Lions 2026 training camp preview: WR depth roles up for grabs

In this installment of our Detroit Lions 2026 training camp preview series, we examine the Lions’ wide receiver room, speculate on current and future roles, and discuss how many players from this group could make the 53-man roster.

Previous training camp previews:

• Quarterback: Can Luke Altmyer force a QB3 role?
• Running back: How RB roles could shift in 2026

Roster construction

Under the Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell regime, the Lions have typically kept between five and six wide receivers on the active roster and at least two on the practice squad. Let’s take a look at what they’ve done in the previous four seasons:

Let’s take a look at what they’ve done in the previous five seasons:

• 2021: Opened the season with seven WRs on the roster but quickly cut that number to six and played out the season with those players.
• 2022: Opened with five WRs but expanded to six once Jameson Williams returned from the NFI list.
• 2023: Opened with five WRs with Williams suspended, but opted for six once he returned.
• 2024: Opened the season with five but expanded to six for Weeks 2-10 (after they released Isaiah Williams), and closed out the rest of the season with just five.
• 2025: Opened with five WRs (after trading Tim Patrick), added a sixth (Tom Kennedy) for the final month of the season; only keeping five WRs active on game day.

New veterans and returning youth

With Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams locked into WR1 and WR2 roles, respectively, and Isaac TeSlaa securing a WR3 role at the end of his rookie season, the Lions return all their starters for 2026. The biggest loss from the wide receiver group was Kalif Raymond’s departure in free agency, but the Lions added Greg Dortch—who was with offensive coordinator Drew Petzing in Arizona over the last three seasons—as a replacement.

Additionally, the Lions drafted Kendrick Law to compete for a key depth role, but he tore his ACL in OTAs and is expected to miss the season. The Lions are also hoping to see their returning young players like Dominic Lovett and Jackson Meeks take another step in their development, but have also added or re-signed several veterans like Cedrick Wilson, Tom Kennedy, and Malik Cunningham, as well as four receivers from the UFL in Tarik Black, Tay Martin, Lawrence Keys, and Lucky Jackson for depth competition.

The battleground

Is Greg Dortch comfortably WR4?

While most fans believe Dortch should easily win the Lions’ WR4 role, he will face considerable competition, including from four returning depth and/or practice squad receivers. His connection with Petzing will certainly give him an advantage, as will his experience; Dortch has played in 66 games, including 17 career starts, and has averaged at least 35% of offensive snaps the previous four seasons.

For Dortch to succeed in the Lions WR4 role, Petzing will need to feature Dortch’s quickness and ability to create yards after the...