The Detroit Lions played their second straight game without star tight end Sam LaPorta, who is likely to miss the remainder of the season after undergoing back surgery. In his absence, the Lions struggled again, requiring a fourth-quarter comeback to tie the game late against the New York Giants before squeezing out the win in overtime. While more of Detroit's struggles came on the defensive side of the ball, the lack of legitimate threats on offense remains a big question.
Without LaPorta, the Lions relied heavily on Jahmyr Gibbs and Amon-Ra St. Brown in the passing game, who were the targets on 25 of Jared Goff's 42 passing attempts. Isaac TeSlaa and Jameson Williams continue to be afterthoughts as they finished the game with zero catches. The Lions desperately need one more pass-catcher to emerge, but Brock Wright hasn't been that player. It may be time the Lions looked elsewhere and gave undrafted rookie tight end Zach Horton a chance.
Lions Must Fix Tight End Concerns as Brock Wright Struggles
Wright played a season-high 60 snaps and finished Week 12 with three catches for 29 yards. He received a 59.0 offensive grade on Pro Football Focus, mostly on the back of his blocking. In the passing game, he tied for a team-worst 49.5 grade. The problem is that this was one of the better games Wright played all season. He has 14 catches for 108 yards and two touchdowns for the season, while receiving a 52.5 offensive grade on PFF.
The Lions elevated new addition Anthony Firkser for the game and still have Ross Dwelley on the roster. Neither tight end featured much against the Giants, only playing a handful of offensive snaps.
IDan Campbell needs to find a solution to the team's tight end problem. Zach Horton has been on the practice squad since the start of the season after he was signed as a UDFA after the 2025 NFL Draft. The former Indiana standout played a total of 115 offensive snaps in Detroit's four preseason games, making two catches for 15 yards. He hasn't particularly shone in his limited opportunity, but the Lions are desperate. If a practice squad option isn't going to be given a chance when the team is struggling to this degree at their position, what is the point of keeping them around?
The Lions have to find a way to get more playmakers involved on offense. As things stand now, they are over-reliant on two stars, making them predictable and easier to slow down. Horton may not be a panacea, but it could be worth a look.