The Detroit Lions' poor injury luck at the tight end position has continued this season, with head coach Dan Campbell making it clear that Brock Wright is unlikely to return soon. This news came via Detroit Free Press writer Dave Birkett, who noted that Wright's "trachea" issue could be a "long-term deal." With only Ross Dwelley and Anthony Firkser as the healthy TE options, it's clear the Lions need help.
With Wright's future uncertain, his upcoming absence could be good news for the newest Lion, as TE Giovanni Ricci was signed to the practice squad on Sunday. Alongside this move came the practice squad signing of Jabari Small and the release of corner Tre Flowers. While practice squad signings are rarely notable, this is a move that has a very real chance to instantly impact Detroit's roster as they head into a pivotal Week 14 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys.
Giovanni Ricci Could Get a Big Role Amid Lions' TE Woes
Barring another signing, it seems that Ricci is poised not only to be elevated to the active roster but to have a chance to play a contributing role. Dwelley and Firkser cannot be expected to handle the position alone based on the heavy sets the Lions like to run and the physicality of the position, especially when neither has done much damage in the passing game.
Ricci was an undrafted free agent back in 2020 out of Western Michigan, spending time with the New England Patriots, Cleveland Browns, Minnesota Vikings, and Carolina Panthers. The sixth-year pass-catcher does have nine career catches for 102 yards and three first downs; however, he hasn't played a regular-season outing since 2023. Now, that could change.
It's possible that the Lions will turn to Ricci out of complete desperation and, in doing so, are giving a player with very little resume a chance to turn his career around. If things don't go to plan with the veteran backup, there are interesting options the Lions could opt to turn to in free agency. With both LaPorta and Wright out for the foreseeable future, it seems that Gerald Everett could be a great potential signing if Ricci doesn't work out as hoped.
The good news for Ricci, if he plays, is that the Cowboys are a fairly TE-friendly team. Dallas has surrendered the seventh-most catches (74) and 13th-most receiving yards (682) to tight ends this season.
It'll be interesting to see if Ricci is given a chance to shine in Week 14. Although he can't turn the season around on his own, the Lions desperately need more production out of their TE room, especially to keep pace with the other Super Bowl contenders' offenses.
If Ricci can successfully step up and capitalize on any opportunities he's given, his time in the Motor City could be extended beyond the season. But if not, and the Lions' TE woes bleed into another game, it's going to be tough to imagine that issue being solved soon.