By Moses Joshua 
Detroit turns to an unexpected name as they brace for Week 11 without their All-Pro weapon
A New Opportunity Emerges in a Tough Week
The Detroit Lions didn’t just lose a starting tight end when Sam LaPorta landed on injured reserve—they lost one of their most versatile offensive weapons. But amid the bad news, an unexpected door has swung open for an undrafted rookie who wasn’t even in the tight end conversation a month ago.
Dan Campbell surprised reporters on Friday when he revealed that Jackson Meeks, a 2025 undrafted free agent, has been taking reps at tight end ahead of Sunday night’s showdown with the Philadelphia Eagles. It’s a move few saw coming, but one that the Lions believe could pay off both now and in the future.
From WR to TE: Meeks Begins a Bold Transition
At 6-foot-2 and 218 pounds, Meeks isn’t the traditional build for an NFL tight end—he sits roughly 20 to 35 pounds lighter than anyone else in Detroit’s tight end room. Up to this point, he has played only one career NFL game, logging 4 offensive snaps and 9 special teams snaps in Detroit’s 34-10 win over Cleveland back in September.
But Campbell isn’t ignoring what Meeks does bring.
The Lions head coach cited Meeks’ “physical profile” and competitive toughness, two traits that inspired the staff to begin “kicking the tires” on whether he could handle tight end responsibilities if needed. Though Meeks continues to work through his usual wide receiver drills in practice, Detroit clearly sees him as a potential emergency option with LaPorta sidelined.
This week provides the perfect proving ground: injuries are piling up, the roster is stretched thin, and the Lions need flexible depth more than ever.
Roster Calculus and What’s at Stake for Meeks
Detroit currently carries five tight ends between the active roster and practice squad, but the group’s future is murky. Contracts for two practice-squad tight ends expire after the season. Ross Dwelley—already a temporary TE2—is also headed for free agency.
Behind them sits Brock Wright, who is questionable for Sunday night.
With only LaPorta and Wright under contract through 2026, Meeks suddenly has more than a Week 11 role on the line—he has a shot to solidify his place in Detroit’s long-term plans.
The Lions have thrived recently by relying on unlikely contributors, with the “Legion of Whom” secondary stealing headlines in Week 7 when a group of backups overpowered Tampa Bay. That success showed Detroit that depth pieces can not only survive, but excel in unexpected roles.
Meeks could be the next name added to that list.
A Chaotic Injury Outlook and a Critical Night Ahead
Detroit enters Sunday with an injury report that reads like an All-Pro roster. With so many players banged up or shifting roles, fans shouldn’t be shocked if multiple Lions line up out of position against Philadelphia.
Meeks has not appeared on the public injury report, and while his transition is far from complete, he may find himself plugged into a critical role faster than anyone anticipated.
In a season defined by resilience, adaptability, and next-man-up grit, the Lions now turn to a player who embodies all three.
Tonight, Detroit will find out exactly what they have in Jackson Meeks—and the rookie may find out just how bright his future could be.