By Moses Joshua 
Detroit reshuffles depth chart and evaluates new options as injuries mount ahead of Week 11 showdown
Lions Lose Their All-Pro Tight End as Injuries Force Critical Adjustments
The Detroit Lions’ march into a pivotal Week 11 matchup took an unexpected turn as the team announced a cluster of roster moves—headlined by the placement of star tight end Sam LaPorta on injured reserve. The decision sidelines him until at least Week 15 and forces the Lions to recalibrate a key piece of their offense just as they prepare for a primetime clash with the Philadelphia Eagles.
The flurry of updates also included signing interior lineman Michale Niese to the active roster, elevating wide receivers Tom Kennedy and Jackson Meeks, and releasing defensive lineman Pat O’Connor from IR with an injury settlement.
LaPorta’s Absence Forces Next-Man-Up Mentality
LaPorta, who suffered a recent back injury and did not practice throughout the week, was initially ruled out for Sunday night before being moved to IR. His injury leaves a sizable vacancy in Detroit’s offense—not just in production, but in the versatility and matchup stress he provides.
That responsibility now shifts to Brock Wright, whom head coach Dan Campbell praised emphatically.
“Brock’s a guy we don’t talk a lot about, but he’s the jack of all trades,” Campbell said. “He does everything for us; pass protect, run block, he can run some routes, he plays special teams… he checks a lot of boxes of a well-rounded tight end.”
With Wright elevated to TE1 and Ross Dwelley sliding into TE2 duties, Detroit enters Week 11 without a natural TE3. But that gap may not stay empty for long.
Jackson Meeks: A Wideout… and Maybe a Tight End?
One of the more intriguing developments is the Lions’ experimentation with rookie wide receiver Jackson Meeks, who has recently been cross-training at tight end. Campbell hinted that Meeks’ physical profile and competitiveness make him a compelling hybrid option.
“He’s got some strength, he’s got some size… he’s a big athlete, he’s got length, can play strong,” Campbell noted. “Maybe there’s an H-back in there… We’re just going to keep working with him.”
Meeks’ elevation this week suggests Detroit may test these alignments sooner rather than later, especially with their TE depth compromised.
Kennedy’s Return and TeSlaa’s Uncertain Status
The Lions also elevated Tom Kennedy, a familiar and reliable depth option. His move appears connected to rookie wideout Isaac TeSlaa, who was added to the injury report Saturday with an oblique issue. TeSlaa is questionable, and Kennedy may step into a WR4 role if the rookie is limited.
Kennedy has long been valued for his consistency and polished route-running—traits Detroit may need in a high-stakes game.
Offensive Line Reinforcements Point to Good News for Starters
The addition of Michale Niese gives Detroit eight healthy offensive linemen for game day, a number that qualifies them for a game-day roster bonus. More importantly, it signals confidence that Penei Sewell, Taylor Decker, and Graham Glasgow—all banged-up players earlier in the week—are trending toward being active against Philadelphia.
With the Eagles sporting one of the league’s most aggressive defensive fronts, stability up front is essential for Detroit’s game plan.
The Road Ahead
Week 11 has become a juggling act for the Lions: reshuffling their tight end room, safeguarding offensive line depth, and monitoring late-week injuries among their receiving corps. Losing Sam LaPorta hurts—but Detroit has built its identity on resilience, adaptability, and trust in its depth.
Sunday night will reveal just how well they can uphold that identity against one of the NFC’s strongest contenders.