Allen Park — Completing the summersault from some roster gymnastics over the weekend, the Detroit Lions are re-signing tight end Tyler Conklin to the 53-man roster, according to a source familiar with the negotiations.
Conklin had seen extensive work with the first-team offense during the offseason while starter Sam LaPorta completed his rehab from last year’s back surgery. That made Conklin one of the more surprising cuts when the team announced its initial 53-man roster Sunday evening.
A Michigan native and Central Michigan alum, the eight-year veteran seemed to offer logical insurance for LaPorta and Brock Wright after both tight ends missed time with injuries last season.
A fifth-round draft pick in 2018, Conklin spent his first four seasons in Minnesota, followed by three years with the New York Jets. From 2021-24, he appeared in 67 of 68 regular season games, averaging 58 receptions for 554 yards and 2.5 touchdowns.
Conklin’s production declined sharply with the Chargers last season and he signed with the Lions looking to prove there was still plenty of tread on the tires.
To make room for Conklin, the Lions will need to make a corresponding roster move, either releasing a player or placing someone on injured reserve. That update should be announced by the team later this afternoon.
Also expected to be announced is the reported addition of offensive lineman Elijah Klein to the team’s practice squad.
A sixth-round pick out of UTEP in 2024, the 6-foot-4 Klein has bulked up to 319 pounds during his time in the league. He’s appeared in 26 games, mostly on special teams, recording his first and only start in 2025.
Primarily a right guard in college, Klein has seen preseason snaps at both guard spots, center and right tackle.
Small to IR
Hmmm.....I wonder if this is a Pacheco move.
Or
Maybe Rolder