Josh Reynolds News

Opening the year as the No. 3 wideout behind Amon-Ra St. Brown and DJ Chark, Reynolds had a handful of big games early on before suffering through a mid-season back injury. While Reynolds worked his way back into the mix down the stretch, by that time Jameson Williams was also healthy enough to play and, consequently, steal snaps from Reynolds. While the Texas A&M product technically remains under contract to return to his complementary role in 2023, it is possible that Detroit will consider saving nearly $4 million against salary cap -- while making room for Williams to make a second-year leap -- by letting Reynolds go this offseason.

Reynolds was held out of all on-field work Wednesday due to an illness, but his return one day later without limitations signals that the ailment is behind him. Over the last four games, he's earned between 59 and 78 percent of the offensive snaps, hauling in 10 of 14 targets for 101 yards and one touchdown. Similar modest usage likely is on the docket for Reynolds on Sunday against the Bears with fellow wideouts Amon-Ra St. Brown, DJ Chark and Kalif Raymond available to the Lions offense.

Reynolds and Logan Stenberg both didn't practice Wednesday due to an illness. The severity of the aliment remains unclear, but both players will have two more opportunities to practice before the Lions need to make a decision on their statuses for Sunday's game against the Bears.

Reynolds had a chance to haul in a touchdown on a fourth down at one point but was hit hard by a Panthers defensive back. He otherwise had a modest day while continuing to serve as the third option at wideout ahead of both Kalif Raymond and Jameson Williams. Next up for Reynolds is a Week 17 matchup against Chicago.

Reynolds was a complete afterthought in the passing game on a day the Jets forced the Lions to direct 29 of 38 pass attempts underneath to running backs, tight ends, and slot receiver Amon-Ra. St. Brown. With Jameson Williams yet to pose much of a threat to Reynolds snap count, the fifth-year wideout will look to bounce back in Week 16 against the Panthers.

After seeing nearly 80 percent of the offensive snaps last week against the Jaguars, Reynolds dipped to 60 percent Sunday in Jameson Williams' second career game. However, Reynolds still managed to put up a solid stat line against a Vikings defense he dusted for 96 yards on six receptions back in Week 3, which bodes well for his ability to maintain the No. 3 receiving role over Williams down the stretch. Up next is a tough matchup on the road against the Jets.