According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Detroit Lions will be bringing in former Patriots wide receiver Dontrelle Inman for a visit in the next couple of days.
The Lions are still searching for some receiver depth after Jermaine Kearse suffered a broken leg in the preseason opener. There have been some promising play from guys like Chris Lacy and sixth-round rookie Travis Fulgham, but nobody has truly distanced himself from the pack.
Inman was officially released by the New England Patriots just a couple of days after the NFL announced that receiver Josh Gordon has been reinstated after his indefinite suspension.
Inman is a big-bodied possession receiver that has some inside/outside versatility. Last season with the Indianapolis Colts, Inman pulled in 28 catches for 304 yards and three scores. His best season came in 2016 with the (then) San Diego Chargers. Playing in all 16 games, Inman caught 58 passess for 810 yards and four touchdowns.
The Lions obviously got a close look at Inman during joint practices two weeks ago. Inman also caught two passes for 23 yards in their preseason game a few days later.
If the Lions decide to sign Inman, he will immediately get thrown into that backup receiver battle as one of the more experienced options for Detroit. Among the Lions’ current backups, only Tommylee Lewis has significant NFL playing time in their history.