Kendrick Law will not be available to the Lions in 2026. Head coach Dan Campbell said on Thursday (via team reporter Tim Twentyman) the rookie receiver tore his ACL in practice earlier this week.
Law was the second of two players selected in the fifth round of April’s draft by the Lions. The Alabama and Kentucky product experienced a significant uptick in production during the 2025 season, his first and only as a member of the Wildcats. Law posted 540 yards on 53 catches during his final college campaign.
A depth role awaited him upon entry into the NFL, but Law’s attention will now turn to a lengthy recovery period instead. The soon-to-be 23-year-old will attempt to rehab in time for spring workouts and training camp next year and in doing so allow himself to carve out a roster spot in 2027. Law’s rookie contract runs through 2029.
Detroit’s passing attack will once again lean heavily on Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams this season. Both veterans remain attached to big-ticket deals, and their performances will be key in allowing the Lions to return to the playoffs in 2026. Isaac TeSlaa – taken in the third round of last year’s draft – along with free agent signings Greg Dortch and Cedrick Wilson round out the top spots on the WR depth chart.
Law will be headed to injured reserve as confirmation his rookie campaign ended well before it began. Meanwhile, the Lions signed another wideout in the form of Kyre Duplessis on Thursday, per a team announcement. He will look to fill in for Law in terms of competing for a backup/special teams role over the course of the summer.
Grrrrrrr here we go again
Horrible. Hope he has a full and speedy recovery!
Big opportunity for Wilson to make the team now though, with only the top three WRs guaranteed a spot.
Detroit had been so fortunate to add a WR tailored for their system in the 5th, this is a real loss. Speedy recovery to KLaw!