The Detroit Lions are pulling out all stops to shock the world and knock off the San Francisco 49ers to advance to the first Super Bowl in franchise history in tomorrow’s NFC Championship.
Though they are heading into the road matchup as significant underdogs — Lions players have adapted the mentality and culture instilled by head coach Dan Campbell — and believe they will win tomorrow.
Still, the team is doing everything possible to make sure it has the right personnel in place to have a chance to win the NFC Championship.
Earlier this week, the Detroit Lions signed veteran tight end Zach Ertz, in a move that felt significant.
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Zach Ertz
The 33-year-old Ertz started seven games for the Cardinals during the regular season but asked for and received his release as he sought to sign with a contender. The Lions could still elevate him to their active roster for the Super Bowl, if they beat the 49ers on Sunday.
Lions tight end Brock Wright was injured in last week’s win over the Buccaneers and won’t play in the NFC Championship Game or the Super Bowl. The only tight ends available to the Lions on Sunday are Sam LaPorta and Anthony Firkser
Detroit Lions Make Significant Roster Moves Day Before NFC Championship Matchup vs. 49ers
Early on Saturday, it was reported by multiple outlets that Etz won’t be elevated from the practice squad for the NFC Championship game tomorrow.
But according to ESPN Insider Adam Schefter, the Lions elevated FB Jason Cabinda and OL Michael Schofield from the practice squad to the 53-man roster on Saturday.
Cabinda has recorded a few catches and carried the ball a handful of times during his career with the Detroit Lions, but will likely serve as a reserve go-to option if Detroit loses a tight end in the game.
Schofield will give head coach Dan Campbell offensive line depth with a few of his key starters entering the NFC Championship banged up.
Luckily, rookie Sam LaPorta — who has emerged as the top rookie tight end of this year’s class — had a solid week of practice and appears fully healthy. If the Lions are going to beat the 49ers, LaPorta has to have a major role in the game.
He injured his knee in the regular-season finale and has played through it in the postseason, making 12 catches for 79 yards and a touchdown in two games.
Left guard Jonah Jackson (knee) and receiver Kalif Raymond (knee) will not play this week.
The Detroit Lions received other significant news earlier this week when center Frank Ragnow not only returned to practice Friday, but he had full participation and has no injury designation for Sunday.
Ragnow will play despite ankle, toe, knee and back injuries, but thrived during last week’s win over Tampa Bay and will be critical for Detroit to pull off an upset and claim the NFC Championship crown.
