The Detroit Lions have a new return man.
The Lions signed veteran wide receiver DeAndre Carter after a workout Thursday, Oct. 15., according to The Ringer.
Carter played four games with the Cleveland Browns last season and has extensive experience as a return man over an eight-season NFL career. He has averaged 23.6 yards per kick return for his career, and 9.7 yards per punt return.
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The Lions (3-2) lost returner Tom Kennedy to a season-ending knee injury in a win over the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, Oct. 11. Lions coach Dan Campbell said Monday the team would look outside the roster for a replacement.
Kennedy handled all punt returns for the Lions this season before his injury and split kick-return duties with Jacob Saylors. He ranks sixth in the NFL at 13.2 yards per punt return and averages 24.8 yards per kick return.
Carter was one of two return men to work out for the Lions on Thursday, along with Steven Sims. The Sacramento State alumnus played for 10 previous teams in his career.
Amon-Ra St. Brown handled punt returns in Kennedy's absence against the Cardinals and could continue handling returns on a limited basis the rest of the season.
Dave Birkett covers the Lions for the Detroit Free Press. Contact him at dbirkett@freepress.com. Follow him on Bluesky, X and Instagram at @davebirkett.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit Lions sign veteran KR/PR DeAndre Carter