Just days before training camp kicks off, the Detroit Lions got hit with a massive curveball: tight end Tyler Conklin landed on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list. And get this, the severity of his injury is totally unknown, which just threw a wrench into all the roster predictions. Most of our staff’s 11 voters made their “Bubble Watch” predictions *before* this news, and Conklin was an assumed “in” for everyone. Now, everything changes for that tight end room.
The QB3 and RB4 Scramble Heats Up
The quarterback room looks pretty set at the top with Jared Goff and Teddy Bridgewater. The Lions value Bridgewater’s mentorship abilities too much to even consider putting him on the bubble, which makes sense. So, the real conversation is whether undrafted rookie Luke Altmyer can snag that QB3 spot on the 53-man roster. Right now, only one staffer has him making it. That’s a tough uphill battle for a rookie, but camp is where these guys can prove themselves.
It’s a similar vibe at running back. Jahmyr Gibbs, Isiah Pacheco, and special teams standout Sione Vaki are locked in. Most of the talk was about Jacob Saylors justifying a fourth running back spot after his strong special teams performance in 2025, which earned him nine “IN” votes. But now, if Kye Robichaux or Jabari Small show out in preseason, Saylors could be fighting for his roster life. This is what training camp is all about, right?
Wideouts, Zero Votes, and a Wide-Open Tight End Race
Over at wide receiver, the top four are clear: Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, Isaac TeSlaa, and Greg Dortch. Most of our staff predicted the Lions would keep two more, with veteran Cedrick Wilson Jr. and second-year wideout Dominic Lovett each grabbing eight “IN” votes. But some staffers think Detroit might only keep five receivers total. Don’t sleep on Tom Kennedy, though, who surprised everyone with special teams contributions last year and snagged one vote. The real head-scratcher? Jackson Meeks, a project who works at both tight end and wideout, didn’t receive a single vote. That’s a tough pill to swallow for a guy trying to make an impact.
But let’s get back to that tight end situation. Before Conklin went on PUP, he was a unanimous “IN” pick with all 11 votes, joining Sam LaPorta and Brock Wright. Miles Kitselman got one vote, and Zach Horton got zero. Now, with Conklin’s status uncertain, that door is wide open. Who steps up? How long will Conklin be out? The unknown factor is huge, and it means those bubble guys like Kitselman have a real opportunity to make some noise.
As training camp ramps up, every rep, every special teams play, and every snap suddenly carries a ton more weight. Keep your eyes locked on the tight end battle,it’s gonna be a wild one.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pride of Detroit.
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