The Lions are bolstering their tight end room in light of Brock Wright’s injury and James Mitchell’s current IR status.
Before the team’s NFC Championship game, the Detroit Lions are adding Pro Bowl tight end Zach Ertz to their practice squad, according to a number of stories that were originally made public by NFL Network.
In the past few weeks, the tight end position has seen a number of ailments for the Lions. Sam LaPorta has managed to play through a bone bruise and hyperextended knee, while James Mitchell, a second-year tight end, is currently on injured reserve following a hand injury he sustained during practice. Additionally, Brock Wright sustained a broken forearm on Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Lions now have just two healthy tight ends: LaPorta and Anthony Firkser.
But Ertz will give Detroit a different, very respectable option. Ertz is a 12-year NFL veteran who has appeared in three Pro Bowls. Earlier in the season, he was a member of the Arizona Cardinals, where he caught 27 passes for 187 yards and a touchdown in seven games.
Ertz will face the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, and while it will be difficult for him to understand the playbook and have a significant impact, he will have a few things going for him. He has participated in 151 NFL games this season, so he has probably seen every offensive scheme available. He has also previously collaborated with Steve Heiden, the tight ends coach with the Lions From their shared time with the Cardinals.
Eight postseason games have been played by Ertz in his career, including the Super Bowl with the Eagles during their 2017 championship run. Ertz has 36 catches for 381 yards and two touchdowns in those eight career games.
