The Detroit Lions are bringing veteran tight end Tyler Conklin back just two days after releasing him during final roster cuts.
CBS Sports reporter Matt Zenitz reported Tuesday morning that Detroit is signing Conklin, reversing one of the more surprising decisions from Sunday’s cutdown. The Lions had officially released Conklin as part of their final roster reduction, leaving Sam LaPorta, Brock Wright and Jackson Meeks as the three tight ends on the initial 53-man roster.
Conklin’s departure stood out because Detroit had originally signed the veteran tight end in March and appeared to have a clear role for him throughout much of the offseason. Instead, Meeks’ strong preseason and special-teams value helped him win a spot on the initial roster.
Now Conklin is back.
The 31-year-old gives Detroit another experienced option at a position where depth has already been tested. Conklin has appeared in 127 NFL games with 69 starts, recording 270 receptions for 2,645 yards and 11 touchdowns during stops with Minnesota, the New York Jets and Los Angeles Chargers. His official Lions biography details his eight-year NFL career.
The move also gives Detroit flexibility behind LaPorta and Wright while allowing Meeks to continue developing after emerging as one of the biggest surprises of cutdown day.
The interesting part now is where Conklin fits. Zenitz’s report did not specify the roster designation or terms of the deal, so Detroit may still have another transaction coming.
Either way, Conklin’s stay away from Allen Park turned out to be a short one.
