The Detroit Lions addressed their tight end and defensive line depth with two moves Wednesday. The team announced on social media signing veteran tight end Ross Dwelley from the practice squad to the active roster.
Dwelley will slide behind starter Sam LaPorta and Brock Wright on the team’s tight end depth chart.
This is Dwelley’s first season with the Lions. He actually made his team debut Monday night against the Baltimore Ravens. Dwelley played as a practice squad elevation.
Dwelley has appeared in 102 contests during his NFL career.
Also Wednesday, the Lions signed defensive lineman Quinton Jefferson to their practice squad. Jefferson will take Dwelley’s spot on the squad.
The Seattle Seahawks drafted Jefferson at No. 147 overall in the fifth round of the 2016 NFL Draft. Jefferson has played in 115 NFL games.
Lions Sign TE Ross Dwelley to Active Roster
The Lions added Dwelley to the team’s practice squad a couple days after Week 2 on September 16. The veteran immediately provided depth in his first game as a practice squad elevation.
Against the Ravens, Dwelley played four offensive snaps and 12 snaps on special teams.
The 30-year-old began his NFL career as an undrafted free agent in 2018. He immediately found a home with the San Francisco 49ers. As a rookie, he played in 11 games. In his second season, he started six games.
Dwelley then started a career-high nine contests during 2020.
Over six seasons with the 49ers, Dwelley posted 44 catches for 518 yards. The tight end also had five touchdowns while averaging 11.8 yards per reception.
Last season, he played 17 games for the Atlanta Falcons. Dwelley mostly split his opportunities between offense and defense but only had one catch for five yards.
Dwelley signed with the Lions about a month after the 49ers released the veteran during training camp this August.
The Lions added Dwelley to their practice squad the same day the team placed depth tight end Shane Zylstra on injured reserve. Zylstra suffered an ankle injury.
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