Allen Park — Completing the summersault from some roster gymnastics over the weekend, the Detroit Lions have re-signed tight end Tyler Conklin to the 53-man roster.
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 placed Isiah Pacheco on injured reserve. The running back missed the second half of training camp with an MCL sprain, but is currently battling a back injury. He will be required to miss at least the first four games.
The timing of the move suggests the Lions were waiting on additional information regarding Pacheco’s injury, given they could have placed him on injured reserve on Sunday, without cutting Conklin.
In addition to re-signing the veteran tight end, the Lions rounded out their practice squad by bringing back wide receiver Dominic Lovett and adding former Tampa Bay offensive lineman Elijah Klein.
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.
I'll get to it in a minute, but Pacheco to IR is the corresponding move.
Small to IR