Lions Keep Tom Kennedy on Kickoffs as Kalif Raymond Nears Return to Punt Duties

Detroit will split return roles to manage workloads.

Overview

Special teams coordinator Dave Fipp said Kennedy has earned the primary kickoff job for now.
Raymond is expected to resume punt returns once cleared after limited practices this week.
Kennedy logged three kickoff returns for 120 yards and a 21-yard punt return against the Cowboys, averaging roughly 40 yards per kickoff in that game.
In his first extended chance after Week 12, he became the first Lion since 1991 to post a 30-plus-yard kick return, a 20-plus-yard punt return, and a 20-yard catch in one game.
Fipp praised Kennedy's persistence and said splitting duties helps balance Raymond's offensive snap load.