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Detroit Lions News: Brandon Pettigrew Ahead of Schedule in ACL Recovery

By Zac Snyder

Nov 15, 2015; Green Bay, WI, USA; Detroit Lions tight end Brandon Pettigrew (87) celebrates a touchdown catch during the third quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Detroit won 18-16. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 15, 2015; Green Bay, WI, USA; Detroit Lions tight end Brandon Pettigrew (87) celebrates a touchdown catch during the third quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Detroit won 18-16. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /
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Detroit Lions news takes a look at Brandon Pettigrew’s recovery from his ACL injury and what that means for next season.

The Detroit Lions didn’t add a tight end in the 2016 NFL Draft like so many thought they would, even with a late round pick. Two of the 12 undrafted free agents the Lions brought in are tight ends, but the Lions are also in good shape to get Brandon Pettigrew back on the field sooner rather than later.

Pettigrew suffered a torn ACL in mid-December but is reportedly ahead of schedule in his recovery. Pettigrew was quoted by the team website during a charity appearance this week:

"“I’m four months out right now (from surgery) and I’m ahead of the game,” Pettigrew said at a HAVEN Redefine reception at Ford Field Tuesday night.“I want to keep progressing and keep the strength up, that’s probably the biggest part, and we’ll see where I’m at in camp.”"

As far as that part about seeing where he’s at in camp, Pettigrew expressed confidence he’ll be ready to go once it is time to report”

"“I will be there in training camp,” he said. “The start of training camp, I’ll be there.”"

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Pettigrew made my list in early December of players who could be gone in 2016, and was routinely mentioned by writers elsewhere as a player who could be released because of a cap number that exceeds his role in the offense. Pettigrew is set to count $4.65 million against the Lions’ salary cap for the 2016 season. That’s behind only Matthew Stafford, Riley Reiff, Golden Tate and Marvin Jones on offense. Pettigrew as the fifth-highest offensive cap hit is hard to justify, particularly considering the guaranteed money on his contract ended last season.

It is possible Pettigrew would have been released along with Joique Bell shortly after the season, but Pettigrew’s injury made that tricky. Instead of pursuing an injury settlement to move on, it makes sense to hang on to Pettigrew for the time being considering the expanded offseason roster and the lack of depth at tight end.

Reporting to training camp healthy and ready to go is just the first step in earning a spot on the roster. If one of the undrafted guys can quickly show competence as a blocker, Pettigrew’s roster spot will be in serious jeopardy considering his cap number will be about ten times higher than an undrafted rookie free agent like Cole Wick.

Yes, the Lions have cap space to spare so they don’t need to make a move specifically to clear any space, but rules allow for unused cap space to be carried-over from year-to-year. Saving some now means being able to use more later.

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