The Benefits and Drawbacks of Lions Signing

In their regular-season finale, the Detroit Lions lost a vital piece of their offense in Pro Bowl tight end Sam LaPorta.

In the 30-20 win over the Minnesota Vikings, LaPorta allegedly sustained a hyperextended knee and a bone bruise. Though the initial prognosis isn’t as serious as many feared, the rookie will almost certainly miss Detroit’s playoff opening against Los Angeles on Sunday.

With LaPorta playing a significant position in Detroit’s offense, the Lions’ passing game will be lacking. Furthermore, with the rookie out, depth at the position is thin, and backup Brock Wright’s status is uncertain after missing the last three games with a hip ailment.

As a result, the Lions would be wise to consider outside possibilities who could assist their offensive in an emergency. Zach Ertz, a three-time Pro Bowl selection, is among those available after being dismissed by Arizona in late November.

Ertz was released by the Cardinals after catching 27 passes for 187 yards and one touchdown this season. He has yet to sign with a new team, but his combination of proven productivity and experienced experience could be precisely what the Lions need as they enter the playoffs.

In 12 seasons, Ertz has accumulated 7,434 yards and 46 touchdowns. He spent nine seasons with the Eagles, making three Pro Bowls and helping the team win Super Bowl 52.

The Lions use their tight ends in a number of ways, including as a blocker in the run game. With James Mitchell as the only current healthy option, Ertz’s experienced status would be a logical fit.

Throughout the season, the Lions have showed a proclivity for bringing in veterans. Outside linebacker Bruce Irvin and defensive tackle Tyson Alualu were both signed by general manager Brad Holmes this season.

They were signed to the practice squad in both cases and spent several weeks getting back into football shape before being promoted to the active roster.

Because Ertz has appeared in seven games this season, the period allotted for re-acclimation may not be required. The veteran also has a connection to Detroit, as current Lions tight ends coach Steve Heiden was his previous position coach in Arizona.

The Lions could also look inside to fill the vacuum created by LaPorta. Anthony Firkser is a regular figure on the practice squad, having spent the entirety of the season there. If Wright is able to play on Sunday, it will be critical for Detroit’s depth.

He has appeared in two games and was re-assigned to the practice squad last week after being waived in order to make room on the roster for a pair of returning defenders.

Darrell Daniels is another veteran option who played three games for the Lions before being dismissed earlier this season. Daniels’ primary job, however, was to fill the vacuum at fullback caused by Jason Cabinda’s injury.

If Ertz is ready to play right away, promoting him to the practice squad would be a wise decision.Detroit cannot afford to wait for a signing because the length of LaPorta’s absence is undetermined.

With Sunday’s playoff game being a win-or-go-home affair, finding a swift cure is critical.

Elevations for practice squad players are unlimited in the postseason, so the Lions won’t have to worry about him exhausting his ability to play while not being on the active roster.

The Lions’ passing attack suffers as a result of LaPorta’s absence. He finished second on the squad in receptions and yards. He also matched for the team lead in receiving touchdowns and was a threat near the goal line.

As a result, the Lions must find another means to allocate his contributions.