The Lions Release Injured Receiver Denzel Mims

Lions Waive Denzel Mims to Look for Receiver Depth

The Detroit Lions are once again on the hunt for wide receiver depth after waiving injured player Denzel Mims. According to a source from ESPN, Mims, who was acquired from the New York Jets via trade, has not been able to meet the expectations set for him.

The decision to release Mims comes as a surprise, considering the Lions’ need for versatile playmakers in their offense. However, injuries and underwhelming performances in training camp have led the team to make this tough call.

Mims’ Acquisition from the Jets

Detroit acquired Denzel Mims from the Jets in a trade earlier this year in hopes of bolstering their receiving corps. Mims, a second-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, showed great promise during his rookie season with the Jets, catching 23 passes for 357 yards and two touchdowns.

With his speed, size, and playmaking abilities, Mims was expected to provide a much-needed spark to the Lions’ offense. However, things did not go as planned, and he struggled to make an impact during training camp and preseason games.

Struggles and Injuries in Training Camp

Throughout the training camp, Mims faced numerous struggles both on and off the field. He failed to establish a good connection with the Lions’ quarterback, resulting in missed opportunities and dropped passes. The coaching staff also noticed inconsistencies in Mims’ route running and overall understanding of the offensive scheme.

In addition to his on-field struggles, Mims also battled injuries during training camp. He missed several practices due to nagging ailments, preventing him from building chemistry with the coaching staff and fellow teammates. The lack of practice time hindered his development and gave the Lions cause for concern.

The Decision to Waive Mims

The ultimate decision to waive Denzel Mims was a difficult one for the Lions’ coaching staff. They had high hopes for the young receiver, but his inability to perform at a consistent level and frequent injuries made it challenging to justify keeping him on the roster.

By waiving Mims, the Lions are hoping to find a suitable replacement who can contribute immediately. The team understands the importance of having depth at wide receiver, and they will explore all available options, including free agents, to fill the void left by Mims’ departure.

Impact on the Lions’ Receiving Corps

The release of Denzel Mims will undoubtedly impact the Lions’ receiving corps. With Mims’ departure, the pressure will increase on the remaining wide receivers to step up and fill the void. Veteran wideouts like Tyrell Williams and Breshad Perriman will be relied upon to provide the much-needed leadership and production in the passing game.

In addition to the veterans, the Lions will also look to their younger receivers, such as Amon-Ra St. Brown and Quintez Cephus, to take on more significant roles. It’s an opportunity for these up-and-coming players to showcase their skills and establish themselves as reliable targets for the Lions’ quarterbacks.

The Future for Denzel Mims

Although Denzel Mims’ stint with the Detroit Lions was short-lived, it does not mean his career in the NFL has come to an end. Mims showed promise during his rookie season with the Jets, and there may be teams that are still interested in his potential.

Once Mims clears waivers, he will become a free agent and can sign with any team that shows interest in him. Given his physical attributes and prior success, it is likely that he will have suitors who believe in his ability to make an impact.

Mims will need to use this setback as motivation to improve his game and prove his worth to potential suitors. With the right guidance and opportunity, he has the potential to develop into a reliable and productive wide receiver in the NFL.

Summary

The Detroit Lions have waived injured receiver Denzel Mims, whom they had acquired from the New York Jets via trade. Mims struggled to meet expectations during training camp, with inconsistencies in route running and a lack of chemistry with the quarterbacks. Injuries further hindered his development, leading the Lions to make the tough decision to let him go. This move puts pressure on the remaining receivers to step up, while Mims will have to prove his worth elsewhere in the league.