ALLEN PARK — With each passing week, Detroit Lions rookie wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa continues to earn the trust of his coaching staff and teammates.
The Hudsonville native once again proved his reliability during the Lions’ 37-24 Week 5 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. Late in the fourth quarter, with the Bengals threatening to mount a comeback after trailing most of the game, TeSlaa came through in a key moment.
With 5:14 left in regulation, he hauled in a 12-yard touchdown pass from Jared Goff, extending Detroit’s lead to 35-17. The score marked his second career touchdown and his first since the Week 1 loss to the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field.
It was TeSlaa’s only target of the game, but it couldn’t have come at a better time.
“His opportunities (will) go way up, and those reps will be important,” Lions coach Dan Campbell told reporters Monday. “He got mental reps before, but not physical ones. When Leaf (Kalif Raymond) went down, he stepped up and handled his business well.”
During Sunday’s game at Paycor Stadium, Raymond exited with a neck injury, which forced TeSlaa to step in as the team’s third receiver. He made the most of his chance, playing 21 of 62 offensive snaps.
TeSlaa also made an impact on special teams, helping pin a Jack Fox punt inside the three-yard line.
“That’s impressive for a young guy,” Campbell said. “Now he’ll get full reps in practice, which will only help him. He’ll be ready to go.”
Campbell added that the Lions will have a better update on Raymond’s status later this week. If Raymond — one of Detroit’s most versatile players — misses time, TeSlaa could see a larger offensive role and more work on special teams.
Through five games this season, TeSlaa has caught three of his five targets for 54 yards and two touchdowns.
Raymond’s potential absence isn’t ideal, given his importance as both a reliable slot option and a dangerous returner. But if the Lions need someone to step in, it appears they have full confidence that TeSlaa is ready for the moment.