There has been a pretty open competition throughout Detroit Lions training camp at both the punt and kick return spots. Lions head coach Dan Campbell provided an informative update on what’s going on with each return specialist role prior to Thursday’s practice session at team headquarters in Allen Park.
The incumbent returners from 2021 are both back in 2022. Kalif Raymond as the punt returner and Godwin Igwebuike as the kick returner have each been first-team in their respective spots for many reps in camp.
“We’ve got a real good feel of what we have in (Raymond) Leaf, and Godwin (Igwebuike) to an extent,” Campbell said when asked about his evaluations of the return men. “We know what those players are and what they can do, so now let’s see if somebody catches our eye or can really surpass that.”
One player might have done that in the second preseason game. Wide receiver Maurice Alexander had two excellent kick returns against Indianapolis, showing acceleration, vision and the ability to break a tackle. But Campbell confirmed that Raymond and Igwebuike are still his starters.
Campbell was asked if Raymond was his punt returner this year and the head coach quickly affirmed, “yes”.
He then turned to Igwebuike, who has faced challenges from Alexander and rookie WR Kalil Pimpleton throughout camp.
“I would say right now that Godwin (Igwebuike) is the kick returner,” Campbell verified.
Campbell’s affirmations on Raymond and Igwebuike solidify two of the 53 roster spots that some have put in question. Raymond was a roster lock already as the No. 4 WR, but Igwebuike’s status as the fourth running back–behind D’Andre Swift, Jamaal Williams and Craig Reynolds–has been up for legit debate. Based on Campbell’s assertions, Igwebuike sure feels like a no-brainer to make the initial 53-man roster.
