Friday open thread: How much does Breshad Perriman’s absence hurt the Lions?

After letting Kenny Golladay walk and moving Matthew Stafford, it was clear that the Detroit Lions were not going to boast the most impressive passing game in 2021. Jared Goff should be able to lean significantly on T.J. Hockenson and D’Andre Swift, but there was a noticeable gap at the wide receiver positions.

Detroit addressed this by drafting Amon-Ra St. Brown, as well as bringing in Tyrell Williams and Breshad Perriman on one-year deals. While the rookie has been drawing a ton of attention early on, Williams missed some camp due to injury, and Perriman is still not yet fully fit to practice fully.

Today’s Question of the Day is:

How much does Breshad Perriman’s absence hurt the Lions?

My answer: I think there should be some real concern about Perriman missing so much time. Goff needs all the help he can get, and as great as it is to have Hockenson and Swift, quarterbacks need to be able to utilize their true receivers. St. Brown looks good but is very unproven, and Williams has never been the most complete player.

Perriman may not be a sure thing either, but he certainly is a step above options like Victor Bolden, Kalif Raymond, and Tom Kennedy, and taking an experienced part away from an already shallow receiving corps adds just one more thing that Goff and the Lions offense must overcome this season.

Your turn.