By Sunday 
From a Rough Start to a Big Opportunity
Week 1 didn’t exactly showcase Isaac TeSlaa. The Detroit Lions rookie wideout was limited to just three offensive snaps, mostly due to an untimely illness that kept him off the practice field. Still, one highlight stole the show — a jaw-dropping touchdown grab that instantly put him on fans’ radar.
Head coach Dan Campbell admitted after the opener that TeSlaa would have played more if not for being sick, and he made it clear: the team wants him involved.
Week 2: A Bigger Slice of the Offense
Fast forward to Week 2 against the Bears, and the rookie’s role expanded. TeSlaa logged 17 offensive snaps, closing the gap on veteran Kalif Raymond. He even pulled off another circus catch — a one-hander that reminded everyone of his potential as a playmaker.
Pro Football Focus data showed that TeSlaa’s time in three-receiver sets nearly doubled compared to Week 1, even eating into Raymond’s reps. In other words, this wasn’t garbage-time work. Detroit is steadily weaving him into their game plan.
A Red Zone Nightmare in the Making
Standing at 6-foot-4 and 214 pounds, TeSlaa has the build quarterbacks love to target in the end zone. Jared Goff now has a potential “X” receiver who can bully defenders and win contested catches — something the Lions’ offense has lacked. Even if his overall volume isn’t high, his red zone presence could swing games.
Fantasy Football Warning Signs
Here’s where things get tricky for fantasy managers. TeSlaa might not rack up enough targets to be a weekly starter, but he could siphon touchdowns and key looks away from stars like Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, or even tight end Sam LaPorta.
That dreaded term “fantasy vulture” usually applies to running backs stealing goal-line carries. But in TeSlaa’s case, wide receivers might start to feel the sting.
The Bottom Line
For Lions fans, TeSlaa’s rise is nothing but good news — more weapons, more highlight plays, more excitement. But for fantasy managers holding Detroit’s top pass-catchers, his growing role could create some headaches.
One thing’s for sure: keep your eyes on Isaac TeSlaa. His role is only going to get bigger.