The Detroit Lions have suffered their first significant injury setback of the offseason.
Prior to Thursday’s practice, head coach Dan Campbell announced that rookie wide receiver Kendrick Law has torn his ACL and will miss the entire 2026 season.
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Law was selected by the Lions in the fifth round of the 2026 NFL Draft with the 168th overall pick and was expected to compete for a depth role in Detroit’s wide receiver room.

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Tough Break for Lions Rookie
The injury is a disappointing development for the 22-year-old receiver, who entered the NFL after spending time at both Alabama and Kentucky.
Standing 6-foot and weighing 205 pounds, Law brought intriguing athletic traits and versatility to Detroit’s roster. The Lions viewed him as a developmental prospect with upside, particularly on special teams and as a depth receiver.
Now, his rookie season will instead be focused on rehabilitation and recovery.
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What It Means for Detroit
While Law was not expected to have a major role in the offense this season, his injury does impact the team’s overall depth at wide receiver.
The Lions return a strong receiving corps led by Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, Tim Patrick, and second-year receiver Isaac TeSlaa. Detroit also added several young receivers this offseason who will now receive additional opportunities throughout training camp and the preseason.
For Law, the focus shifts toward making a full recovery and positioning himself to compete for a roster spot in 2027.