ALLEN PARK – The Detroit Lions have released wide receiver Tom Kennedy as Kalif Raymond inches closer to returning from injured reserve.
Raymond, who has been back on the practice field for the past couple of weeks after suffering a foot injury against the Indianapolis Colts last month, could rejoin the team before the regular season ends. He was ruled out last week, but remains a potential option for a late-season return. Raymond has been fully participating in both practices this week.
In Raymond’s absence, Kennedy has stepped in as a returner. He is familiar with the process of moving between the active roster and the practice squad. Kennedy has played in four games this season, returning one punt and six kickoffs.
The Lions also re-signed defensive back Morice Norris to their practice squad. Norris, who was added to the 53-man roster last week, participated in 20 special teams snaps. Most of his season has been spent on Detroit’s practice squad. Norris, an undrafted rookie free agent, played college football at Orange Coast and Fresno State before joining the Lions.
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VIDEO: Ben Johnson’s Priceless Reaction to Lions’ Fake Stumble Touchdown
The Detroit Lions recently released the mic’d up footage from their incredible fake stumble trick play against the Chicago Bears, which continues to be a highlight from their game. Although the play happened nearly a week ago, the team dropped the video on Friday, capturing the sheer excitement of the moment.
To recap, with the Lions leading 27-14 early in the second half, offensive coordinator Ben Johnson called a trick play inspired by a 2023 mistake-turned-touchdown from the Packers. On this play, quarterback Jared Goff pretended to stumble while running back Jahmyr Gibbs intentionally fell to the ground. Meanwhile, several players on the field falsely shouted that the team had fumbled, freezing the Bears’ defense long enough for tight end Sam LaPorta to sneak out unnoticed. Goff regained his balance and threw the ball over the defense to a wide-open LaPorta for a touchdown, putting the Lions ahead 34-14.
In the mic’d up video, with Taylor Decker wearing the mic, we hear Goff’s play call:
“Hey, this is where we can finish them right here. Stumblebum,” Goff commands in the huddle.
From that point, it’s pure joy. Decker laughs, the Lions’ radio team quickly realizes it’s a trick play, and the sideline erupts in excitement.
However, the most rewarding moment is Johnson’s reaction. Known for his calm demeanor and focus on the next play, Johnson’s reaction shows just how much this play meant to him.
Celebration of the year might go to Ben Johnson 🤣🔥
🎥: @Lions | #OnePride pic.twitter.com/rScQaCGdcn
— Crunch Time Sports (@officialctpod) December 28, 2024
Coach Dan Campbell described the play as Johnson’s “baby” after the game, which explains his excitement when it succeeded. Although Johnson downplayed its significance this week, calling the Penei Sewell pass “a little bit more special,” he was likely just being modest.
“Honestly, I think the Penei (Sewell) pass is a little bit more special than that one, personally,” Johnson said. “That one, that’s a play that every team runs, and we just happened to put a little hot sauce on the ball-handling.”
You can watch the full mic’d up video below.
Come for mic'd up Stumblebum, stay for Ben's celly 🥳️ pic.twitter.com/xGBIVObYM9
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) December 28, 2024
