The Detroit Lions defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 31-23 last week in the Divisional Round. Jared Goff carried the offense, completing 30 out of 43 pass attempts for 287 yards and threw two touchdown passes.
They travel to Levi’s Stadium to face the San Francisco 49ers for the NFC Championship game.
Unfortunately, one of their offensive weapons suffered an injury against Tampa Bay and will likely not play this week.
The backup tight end of the Detroit Lions suffered a serious injury.
With 6:57 remaining in the 3rd quarter, the Lions had a 3rd & 1 on their 45-yard line. Jared Goff completed a two-yard pass to Brock Wright, who turned it into a 29-yard gain on his lone reception. The offense capitalized on that drive, scoring a touchdown and increasing their lead to seven points.
Wright exited the game with a fractured forearm and was wearing a sling in the locker room. He is doubtful for this week’s game.
Head coach Dan Campbell isn’t optimistic about him playing:
“Doesn’t look really good for next week,” Campbell said of the injuries. “But we’ll see,” he added.
The backup TE was limited to 14 games in the regular season.
Brock Wright was limited to 14 games during the regular season. Wright suffered a hip injury in Week 15 and missed the next three weeks, but played in the Wild Card and the Divisional Round.
He had 13 receptions on 14 targets for 91 yards and one touchdown.
Their TE corps has been banged up this season.
Detroit’s tight end corps has dealt with injuries all season.
Shane Zylstra suffered a knee injury during training camp after a big hit and was placed on injured reserve.
Sam LaPorta suffered a hyperextended knee and a bone bruise in Week 18. Although he’s not 100%, LaPorta managed to play against Los Angeles and Tampa Bay.
Finally, James Mitchell injured his left hand in Week 18. He underwent surgery and was placed on injured reserve.
Who will be his replacement?
Zach Ertz will likely be Wright’s replacement.
Ertz was with the Arizona Cardinals to start the 2023 season. He suffered a quad injury in Week 7, and Arizona placed him on injured reserve.
Instead of activating him off injured reserve, Arizona cut him on November 30.
Ertz was looking to sign with a playoff-contending team. After two months of waiting, Detroit signed him to their practice squad, and will likely be promoted to the active roster against San Francisco.
If Ertz doesn’t play, Anthony Firkser will be TE2.
Can Detroit upset San Francisco?
Will the 2nd-ranked passing offense of the Detroit Lions upset the 14th-ranked passing defense of the San Francisco 49ers and make their first Super Bowl appearance?
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