Lions Bring Back Special Teams Standout Khalil Dorsey
The Detroit Lions are keeping one of their top special teams players in the fold, re-signing cornerback Khalil Dorsey for the 2025 season. The move ensures the return of a key contributor, even as Dorsey continues to recover from a significant leg injury suffered late last year.
Dorsey, 26, saw his season cut short in Week 15 against the Buffalo Bills when he suffered a broken tibia and fibula after an accidental collision with teammate Ezekiel Turner. The gruesome injury required immediate surgery, and his initial recovery timeline was estimated at four to six months. Despite the setback, the Lions clearly see his value, both as a depth piece in the secondary and as a top-tier gunner on special teams.
Special teams coordinator Dave Fipp has praised Dorsey’s impact, calling him “an incredible player for us,” while head coach Dan Campbell has gone even further, saying, “Dorsey I think is, if not the best, one of the best gunners in this league.” His ability to disrupt opposing returners and make key tackles has made him a critical piece of Detroit’s special teams unit.
In 27 appearances for the Lions, Dorsey has recorded 25 tackles and three passes defensed while carving out his niche as a specialist. His return adds depth to a cornerback group that now includes Terrion Arnold, D.J. Reed, Rock Ya-Sin, Ennis Rakestraw, Amik Robertson, and Stantley Thomas-Oliver.
With Dorsey back under contract, Detroit now has 72 players on its roster as the team continues shaping its depth chart ahead of the 2025 season. His recovery will be a storyline to watch, but if he returns to form, he’ll remain a vital part of Detroit’s special teams success.
