ALLEN PARK -- For the second straight week, the Detroit Lions’ joint practices at team headquarters featured the return of a once-promising former player.
Quintez Cephus, now with the Houston Texans after spending his first three NFL seasons in Detroit, practiced on the Lions’ fields Thursday for the first time since his 2023 departure. Cephus was suspended indefinitely by the NFL last year for violating the league’s gambling policy after betting on NFL games.
“It felt amazing being here,” Cephus told MLive about his return. “Just getting off the plane, even the drive in this morning, it felt great, man. Especially seeing all my friends and stuff, it felt amazing.
“It was great just seeing the familiar faces and the energy. It felt like we were still all just here playing together the other day. Being able to make plays out there was the most important, but it was amazing being out there with my friends.”
Shortly after his suspension, the Lions released the 27-year-old receiver, who had brief stints with the Buffalo Bills, Rams, and 49ers before rejoining the Texans earlier this month.
Cephus has yet to log any preseason stats, but he flashed during Thursday’s joint practice against Detroit. He strung together a productive day that included a highlight-reel grab over Lions defender D.J. Miller. This leaping, two-handed catch showcased his vertical ability that Lions fans used to see on the regular.
Although Cephus had his way with Detroit’s secondary, it wasn’t the same unit he once lined up against in practice. Still, he recognized the familiar defensive mentality he remembered from his time with the Lions.
“It is still the same fast, physical, and aggressive defense,” Cephus said. “They fly around, so I knew it was going to be a good task for us. But it felt amazing just going out there making plays.”
Cephus will look to carry that momentum into Saturday, when the Lions and Texans wrap up the preseason with their final game at Ford Field.
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