The Detroit Lions will be missing a trio of key special teams players for their game Sunday against the Cleveland Browns, which could lead the team to lean on a player signed to the active roster just days ago.
The Lions added tight end Ross Dwelley to the active roster this week, a little more than a week after they signed the veteran to the practice squad. Despite his official role on the offense, Dwelley has been known as a special teams stalwart and could be pressed into a big role on those units on Sunday, USA Today’s Jeff Risdon noted.
Lions Missing Key Players
As Risdon noted, the Lions are missing three of their special teams regulars — Daniel Thomas, Zach Cunningham, and Sione Vaki. Risdon wrote that both Thomas and Cunningham have played more than 50 special teams snaps through the first three weeks of the season, while Vaki has a big role as well.
“Vaki, who missed the first two games with a separate injury, was on the field for all punt and kick reps in the Week 3 win over Baltimore before leaving Monday night’s game with a groin injury,” Risdon wrote. “While listed at running back, Vaki plays almost exclusively on special teams since joining Detroit as a fourth-round pick in 2024.”
Risdon added that the Lions have a few options to fill in on special teams, including the recently rostered Dwelley.
“Tight end Ross Dwelley, signed to the active roster this week, is known more for his special teams play than his offensive skills,” Risdon wrote.
Dwelley already played 12 special teams snaps in the team’s win over the Baltimore Ravens, with just four offensive snaps while replacing Shane Zylstra as the team’s third tight end.
Eric Schlitt of SB Nation’s Pride of Detroit noted that Dwelley may see time in run formations in addition to his role on special teams.
“A seven-year veteran, Dwelley has 101 games and 17 starts worth of experience under his belt, and has primarily been used as a run blocker and special teamer,” Schlitt wrote. “Heâs expected to maintain this role moving forward, and might not face competition until Zylstra is healthy enough to return from injured reserveâwhich he is eligible to do in Week 7.”
Lions Off to Strong Start on Special Teams
The Lions under head coach Dan Campbell have placed a strong emphasis on special teams, with coordinator Dave Fipp leading one of the league’s top units. As the team’s official website noted, Fipp believes the team still has room to improve in their already stellar punting game.
“One area Fipp wants to continue to see steady improvement moving forward is with their punting units,” the report noted. “He still thinks they can be better there after ranking No. 1 in the NFL in both gross and net punting last year. Through three games Detroit ranks 11th in gross punting average (48.3) and 20th in net punt average (39.6). Detroit’s dealt with several injury issues on special teams early in the season, but Fipp said that’s no excuse.”
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Lions May Need Big Contribution from TE Signed to Roster Just Days Ago appeared first on Heavy Sports.