ALLEN PARK — Lions wide receiver Josh Reynolds quietly seems to go about his business. However, he does not go unnoticed by the coaches. Dan Campbell calls him the unsung hero among many other accolades.
“Since 2021 he’s been one of the best additions we could have had. He’s perfect for what we are because (of) the reliability factor, the hands, the route tree that he’s able to run,’’ Campbell said on Saturday. “It goes a long way.’’
Reynolds’ 21 catches rank third (to Amon-Ra St. Brown and Sam LaPorta), but 14 of the 21 were 20 yards or longer. That mark ties for second in the NFL with only the Rams” Puka Nacua coming in with 15.
He leads the NFL in first-down percentage (95.2) and his three receiving touchdowns are tied with St. Brown and LaPorta.
The Lions need Reynolds to be on his game when they host the Las Vegas Raiders on Monday Night Football.
While many eyes are on wide receiver Jameson Williams who is coming along slowly, Reynolds has stepped up.
“He does all of these things, he does all the dirty work. He’s been an explosive receiver for us and he’s very reliable. When you’re calling plays like Ben (Johnson) or myself, there’s a huge comfort level in having that guy,’’ Campbell said. “He’s been a clutch receiver for us. He’s kind of an unsung hero because he does so many different jobs.
Campbell said it’s a blessing and curse to be Reynolds because he can handle so much, they throw a lot at him.
“He just gives you flexibility to not only put him in certain spots but it allows you to put Saint in certain spots because he can play the other ones,’’ Campbell said. “He’s a huge asset for us.’’
Johnson agrees saying Reynolds is playing lights out and doesn’t get mentioned enough.
“It’s like every time we throw him the ball, it’s a big play almost. So, probably shouldn’t have brought it up, just keep letting that fly under the radar but, no,’’ Johnson said. “That whole group man, (WR Kalif Raymond) Leaf, we talked about Leaf last week. I mean the whole room is – they’re doing a phenomenal job.”
NOTES: Center Frank Ragnow (toe/calf) has not practiced this week but still is a possibility to play against the Raiders. The extra time since it’s a Monday night game could be a blessing. If Ragnow is unable to go Graham Glasgow will likely start at center.
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