Veteran tight end Tyler Conklin has officially passed his physical, clearing the way for the Detroit Lions to pull him off the Physically Unable to Perform list. This is massive news for a Lions squad reeling from early training camp injuries, and the timing could not be more critical for that tight end room. Conklin missed the first week of camp with a calf injury he picked up during the spring, but getting him back now is exactly what the coaching staff needed.
The Lions’ TE Room Was a M.A.S.H. Unit
Let’s be real, the tight end position in Detroit was looking grim. Things have been absolutely brutal through the first week of camp, forcing general manager Brad Holmes into emergency mode. Anthony Firkser, a veteran presence, went down with a broken fibula during their first padded practice and was immediately placed on injured reserve. Then, rookie Miles Kitselman also landed on IR with a leg injury, with Dan Campbell saying he’d be out “for a while.” Talk about a nightmare scenario! Those hits forced Holmes to bring in Nick Muse and even re-sign Zach Horton just to have enough bodies. What Conklin brings back to this depleted group is something those emergency guys can’t instantly provide: an experienced NFL tight end who has a real shot at earning offensive snaps.
Conklin’s Experience Is the Stabilizer They Need
Sam LaPorta and Brock Wright are still locked in at the top of that tight end depth chart, no question. But behind them? It’s been a revolving door. Conklin walked into camp as the most experienced guy vying for that No. 3 spot, but that calf injury sidelined him during a super valuable stretch. Passing his physical lets him jump back into the competition before he loses too much critical practice time. They might ease him back in, not throw him into a full workload immediately, but even limited participation is a welcome sight for an offense that has constantly had to reshuffle that position. It’s about damn time they got some good news.
Conklin’s return is also going to be huge for managing LaPorta and Wright through the preseason. The Lions definitely don’t want their top tight ends taking unnecessary hits in August just because the depth chart is paper-thin. A healthy Conklin gives the coaching staff another reliable option for team drills and preseason games while Muse and Horton get up to speed. There’s a legitimate roster spot waiting for him too. The Lions need a third tight end who can block, run routes cleanly, and step up when LaPorta or Wright needs a breather. Conklin now has a real shot to prove he’s that guy before the season kicks off.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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