Detroit

Lions

The Lions expect a redshirt year for Hooker, who is six months removed from undergoing knee surgery. Stashing Hooker on NFI opens a roster spot for Detroit while giving Hooker a chance to return later in the year. Nate Sudfeld is the favorite to back up Jared Goff in Week 1.

“It’s a deal where it’s kind of inoperable, so it’s something we’re trying to navigate. But hopefully it’s not going to be anything near last year.” Ragnow missed 13 games in 2021 and played at less than 100 percent last season. The injury could become a long-term concern for the two-time Pro Bowler, who Detroit has signed through 2026. Lions OL coach Hank Fraley believes Ragnow can “still play at a high level” despite the injury.

St. Brown, a slot guy who has dominated the short and intermediate parts of the field over his first two NFL seasons, told reporters he wants more deep looks in 2023. Lions receivers coach Antwaan Randle El said he “has seen subtle growth from St. Brown that could help him in his quest.” A mere 6.5 percent of St. Brown’s 2022 targets were over 20 yards downfield, among the lowest rates in the league. He could see a little more downfield action in 2023, though fantasy managers should expect his average depth of target (aDOT) to once again hover around seven. If the Lions force the issue with St. Brown as a deep threat, his fantasy production could become more volatile than it was in 2021 and 2022.

Off to a hot start this offseason, LaPorta will be the favorite to win the tight end role in Detroit. Whether that actually leads to early fantasy value is open to interpretation as both Jahmyr Gibbs and Amon-Ra St. Brown figure to be primary targets over the intermediate middle of the field for Jared Goff as well. But at the very least, LaPorta has established himself as a TE1 sleeper this offseason.

“On one play, he’d line up in the backfield. On the next, he’d be in the slot. On another, he’d be split out wide as the outside receiver — or show that look, prior to motioning back to running back,” Pouncey elaborated. Gibbs also told reporters that he’d use his time away from the facility “working on routes,” which Pouncey writes “s another sign that the Lions view him as more than a running back.” Gibbs’ will effectively be replacing D’Andre Swift in the offense, and Swift got 70 targets last year despite somehow never being healthy enough to play a full game. Gibbs’ upside scenarios look like they could be league-winning in his rookie season.

Appearing on 97.1 The Ticket in Detroit, Hall of Fame wide receiver Calvin Johnson said he had attended two mandatory minicamp practices this week and met Jameson Williams for the first time. “I connected with Jamo yesterday really for the first time, and I look forward to just being around and being a shoulder for him to lean on,” he told the hosts of the show. “I look forward to just helping him build the level of consistency and being the pro he wants to be, man. Anything I can to do help him, I’ll do that and I’ll be there.” Williams will miss the first six weeks of the 2023 season following a suspension levied by the league but is able to participate in the team’s offseason program. He now adds the potential to be mentored by one of the greatest wide receivers to ever play the game in Calvin Johnson.

“LaPorta is an explosive athlete at the tight end position and has gained separation from defenders pretty effortlessly so far,” Twentyman, a longtime Lions beat writer, said after Thursday’s OTAs. He added “LaPorta seems to be picking it up pretty well. He stands out every time the Lions hit the practice field.” Lions tight ends combined for 29 inside-the-ten targets in 2022. All reports so far have been positive for LaPorta, taken with the 34th pick in the 2023 draft out of Iowa. LaPorta, 22, broke out as a junior and maintained respectable stats in his final collegiate season in a terrible Iowa offense. With consistent pass routes in Detroit’s offense, LaPorta could position himself as Jared Goff’s No. 2 target behind Amon-Ra St. Brown this season.

With David Montgomery (leg) sidelined, Gibbs has seen the majority of OTA reps with Detroit’s starters. Gibbs likely would’ve split reps if Montgomery were healthy, but with Montgomery falling behind, it gives the Lions less of a reason to take Gibbs out. Gibbs, who Detroit considered drafting at No. 6 overall, projects to start over Montgomery Week 1.

Walker tore his Achilles in Week 3 and was on field in a limited basis for Detroit’s OTAs. Walker’s statement did come with the important caveat of “as long as the surgeon signs off on it.” Walker’s return would help the team use free-agent signing C.J. Gardner-Johnson in more of a hybrid role at nickelback and safety.

Before the Jaguars could release Patterson, the Lions swooped in. Patterson was usurped in Jacksonville by Brandon McManus, and now he heads to the kneecap-biters for what amounts to little compensation. Michael Badgley and John Parker Romo are kickers currently on Detroit’s roster that have now been put on notice. Patterson has hit 88% of his field-goal attempts through two seasons, one of which was in Detroit in 2021.