The Detroit Lions’ secondary has taken a beating from injuries this year, losing DJ Reed, Kerby Joseph, and Terrion Arnold for stretches—far from the ideal scenario the team envisioned.

Despite the setbacks, Detroit has managed to stay afloat thanks to multiple players from both the active roster and practice squad stepping in when needed. And on Thursday, the team received a significant boost concerning veteran defensive back Khalil Dorsey.

As reported by Justin Rogers of the Detroit Football Network, the Lions have opened Dorsey’s 21-day practice window, giving him up to three weeks to rejoin the 53-man roster. If he isn’t activated within that span, he’ll remain on injured reserve for the rest of the season.

Dorsey’s Practice Window Opens at a Critical Moment

Dorsey has appeared in just four games this year after dealing with a concussion suffered in Week 5. While the Lions initially hoped for a quick return, a broken wrist in early October forced him onto injured reserve and delayed his comeback.

Before the injury, the veteran corner’s primary contributions were on special teams—logging 54 snaps there compared to only 19 on defense. Since arriving in Detroit in 2023, the 5-foot-8 defensive back has turned himself into one of the NFL’s most reliable special teams contributors, earning a two-year, $3.3 million contract extension.

Lions special teams coordinator Dave Fipp has praised Dorsey as one of the league’s top gunners, and he also offers value as a potential kick returner.

Even with another year remaining on his deal, Dorsey will need to perform well once he’s activated. Detroit has had extended looks at Rock Ya-Sin and Arthur Maulet—both pending free agents—during the stretch of injuries. Each has stepped up when needed on defense, strengthening their cases for a new contract either in Detroit or elsewhere.

Ya-Sin and Maulet have also logged special teams snaps this season (125 and 63, respectively). They may not match Dorsey’s prowess in that phase of the game, but their ability to hold down defensive roles gives them an edge in roster competition.

Since arriving in Detroit, Dorsey has started only three of 31 games. His contract also includes a potential out after the 2025 season, per Spotrac, making it easier for the Lions to move on if they believe his performance does not warrant a roster spot—or if they prefer the versatility of Ya-Sin and Maulet.

In short, once Dorsey is cleared to return, he cannot afford to ease in. He’ll need to reclaim his reputation as an elite special teams weapon, just as he has demonstrated over the past two seasons.