Without T.J. Hockenson for the rest of the season, the Detroit Lions are in dire need of tight end help. The first person who gets the crack at replacing the injured Pro Bowler in Detroit’s lineup is Shane Zylstra.
The Lions elevated Zylstra from the practice squad to the active roster for the Week 15 matchup with the Arizona Cardinals. It’s a COVID-19 elevation, which means Zylstra will revert to the practice squad.
An undrafted rookie from Minnesota State, Zylstra played 40 reps in the Lions’ Week 14 loss to the Broncos. He caught two passes for 18 yards in the first game he’d played on offense. Zylstra also appeared on special teams in Week 5.