Newcomer Craig Reynolds made quite a first impression in his Lions debut, contributing 49 yards and a touchdown on six rushing attempts as Detroit fell to the visiting Bills, 16-15, in their preseason opener Friday night at Ford Field. The undrafted Kutztown alum had joined the Lions only 24 hours earlier. In fact, Reynolds, who spent the majority of last season on Jacksonville’s practice squad (he ultimately appeared in two games, logging one carry for four yards while also adding a three-yard catch), met most of his teammates for the first time Friday, introducing himself in the Lions’ huddle.
“They were like, ‘Yo, what’s your name?’” said Reynolds, describing his experience to ESPN Lions reporter Eric Woodyard. “A couple coaches introduced themselves to me on the sideline during the game. It's definitely crazy.” Reynolds, who has also spent time in the Washington and Atlanta organizations, made the most of his limited reps Friday night (six snaps), breaking free for a 24-yard touchdown burst with 7:36 remaining in the fourth quarter. That was Detroit’s only end-zone visit of the night as well as Reynolds’ first NFL touchdown.
The 25-year-old arrived in the Motor City for his Lions tryout early Thursday morning, the result of his flight out of Philadelphia being delayed by rain. “He’s got that look in his eye,” said coach Dan Campbell, clearly impressed by what he saw from Reynolds Friday night. “You can tell it's like, 'Hey man, I'm here to compete and I don't know enough of this playbook, but you can put me in there.’"
“He did a great job,” agreed former first overall pick Jared Goff, who was also making his Lions debut Friday. “It was fun to watch.”
The 5’11,” 225-pound Reynolds is hoping for a meaningful role in a Lions backfield led by second-year ball-carrier D’Andre Swift (who missed Friday’s game with a groin injury) and former Green Bay Packer Jamaal Williams.
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