With injuries ravaging the Detroit Lions tight ends, the team has made an additional signing to help stop the bleeding.
Former Pitt standout Scott Orndoff was signed and is now the ninth tight end on the team’s 90-man roster, joining Eric Ebron, Darren Fells, Michael Roberts, Robert Tonyan, Cole Wick, Khari Lee and Tim Wright.
It’s sure getting crowded at tight end, but depth at any position is a necessity.
#Lions sign free agent TE Scott Orndoff ➡️ https://t.co/ss90w30hgO pic.twitter.com/n8ZELYZdsY
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) August 21, 2017
In order to accommodate the move, the Lions waived injured DT Bruce Gaston. Should Gaston clear waiviers, he can be placed on Detroit’s reserve/injured list.
Here is how Orndoff is described in his combine profile on NFL.com:
“Blocking tight end whose yards per catch numbers do not represent his vertical ability. Orndoff will struggle to get open, but can make contested catches and function as a play-action threat near the end zone. He does have the size and desire to become an NFL blocker who might improve a rushing attack that is soft on the edge.”
During his four years at Pitt, the 6-foot-5, 253 lb Orndoff amassed 897 yards and 13 touchdowns on 58 receptions. He later signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers as an undrafted rookie free agent, but was subsequently waived on August 3. After clearing waivers, he reached an injury settlement with the Steelers and then became a free agent.
