Following a busy offseason, the Detroit Lions and the rest of the NFL have kicked off training camp. For Detroit, it marks another step in their comeback journey after a 15-2 regular season ended with a divisional-round loss to the Washington Commanders. While many key contributors from that team have returned, a few players didn’t stick around long enough and had to watch from the sidelines last season.

One of those players is a former Lions wide receiver who served a major suspension before being reinstated last year. After spending time away from the game, he’s tried multiple times to return to the league and recently got a surprising chance with a potential NFC title contender.

Per Josh Dubow of the Associated Press, ex-Detroit Lions receiver Quintez Cephus was among six wideouts who worked out for the San Francisco 49ers this week in what may be his best opportunity in some time.

Cephus, drafted in the fifth round of the 2020 NFL Draft, had 37 receptions for 568 yards and four touchdowns over three seasons in Detroit. However, he hasn’t appeared in a game since 2022 due to a suspension tied to the league’s gambling rules.

He missed the entire 2023 season and was reinstated in April 2024, joining the Buffalo Bills, Houston Texans, and Los Angeles Rams’ practice squads. The Rams released him earlier this year, leaving him unsigned as camps opened.

The 49ers may be the break Cephus needs. San Francisco’s receiver corps is facing issues, with Brandon Aiyuk recovering from a torn ACL and MCL, and free-agent signee Demarcus Robinson suspended three games for a substance abuse violation.

Meanwhile, Jauan Jennings has asked for a trade, and Ricky Pearsall started camp on the physically unable to perform list, thinning depth behind rookie Jordan Watkins and fellow 2024 draftee Jacob Cowing.

Cephus is unlikely to land a major role, especially with Pearsall expected to return soon. Still, getting a training camp look is a big step for someone seeking to reboot his football career.