SHANE ZYLSTRA

DETROIT -- The Lions got better in the long run by trading T.J. Hockenson for draft picks at the deadline. Brock Wright caught two more touchdown passes on Sunday to help Detroit build a 24-7 halftime lead in a must-win game against the Chicago Bears. Tight ends have now accounted for 12 touchdown catches this season, breaking a franchise record that had stood since 2011. Shane Zylstra added three more scores the following week in Carolina, giving him four on the season as well. One of those sacks jarred the ball loose, which Aidan Hutchinson recovered -- and then Hutchinson added his third pick of the season to conclude the half.

Lions tight ends have now scored seven times in the eight games since Hockenson was traded to the Minnesota Vikings for a package of draft picks. It was the longest touchdown catch by a Lions tight end since David Sloan in 1999. That’s the third time in eight games since the Hockenson trade that tight ends have accounted for all of Detroit’s touchdowns. Detroit’s offensive coordinator, Ben Johnson, is also a former tight ends coach who has shown a knack for scheming up those guys to make plays. “Our coordinator used to be a tight ends coach,” Goff said, smirking.

The Detroit Lions (7-8) lost to the Carolina Panthers, 37-23, in Week 16 from Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte. D’Andre Swift had 12 yards on four carries, while Jamaal Williams went for 11 yards on seven attempts before limping off late. Burns had both of Carolina’s sacks while its defense added seven quarterback hits and four tackles for loss, holding the Lions to 45 rushing yards on 17 tries. Grade: FLinebackers: On top of that, the Panthers gashed the Lions for seven runs of more than 10 yards. And while there are pieces to like for the future in Carolina, 320 rushing yards and 37 points to that offense is a severe black eye.

The 2022 Detroit Lions aren’t dead yet with two games left, although their margin for error was zeroed out by a 37-23 massacre on Christmas Eve against the Carolina Panthers. They will likely be favored in both of those games too, although will need to play slightly better run defense to even give themselves a shot. With that, one of the best stories in the NFL now finds its season back on the brink. Williams has run for 14 touchdowns this season, which not only leads the league, but is just two off Barry Sanders’ club record. That’s a big reason the Lions have been a top-five team in the red zone and at the goal line this season.

Grade: B-Wide receivers: The Lions made it a point to feed Amon-Ra St. Brown early and often in Chicago. St. Brown secured 10 of 11 looks for 119 yards, adding one rush for 2 yards to move the chains. St. Brown showed his superior route-running ability on third-and-9 in the first half when he ran a delayed looping slant. St. Brown is now in the top 10 all-time, with 139 catches through his first 25 games. But feeding St. Brown and getting creative with the rushing game took the pressure off that short-handed passing attack.

CHICAGO -- Jarrad Davis is poised to play in his first game for the Detroit Lions in almost two years. The former first-round pick is being elevated from the practice squad for Sunday’s game against the Chicago Bears, providing some insurance while starting linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez works through an elbow injury. Detroit is also activating fullback Jason Cabinda from the physically unable to perform list, signing tight end Shane Zylstra from the practice squad, plus elevating Davis and receiver Stanley Berryhill from the practice squad. Davis originally joined the organization as a first-round pick in the 2017 draft, but underwhelmed during four seasons with the organization. He’s spent the season on the practice squad.

Aaron Rodgers matched a career high with three interceptions and threw an incomplete pass on fourth down from the Detroit 17 in the final minute, letting the Detroit Lions hold on for a 15-9 win over the Packers in a matchup of slumping teams on Sunday.

They’re starting four rookies on that side of the ball, and two of them picked off Aaron Rodgers on Sunday to help the offensively-challenged Lions take an 8-0 lead into halftime. The last time two rookies picked off passes in the same game, you ask? They didn’t score a point in the second half of last week’s loss against Miami, much like they didn’t score in the second half of the two games before that, and bemoaned the penalties that ruined two of their three possessions. Left tackle Taylor Decker was flagged for holding on the second drive against Green Bay, which dug Detroit into a second-and-17 hole. And when they do, Detroit is going to need more than eight points on the board to win this game.

DETROIT -- With their top four outside receivers slowed by injuries and their top tight end now in Minnesota, the Lions are getting some reinforcements from their practice squad. The Lions announced on Saturday they’re signing receiver Stanely Berryhill from the practice squad, while elevating receiver Brandon Zylstra and tight end Shane Zylstra. Both Zylsetras -- yes, they’re brothers -- will revert back to the practice squad after the game. That leaves slot receivers like Amon-Ra St. Brown, Kalif Raymond and Tom Kennedy as the only wideouts left on the roster. At tight end, the Lions need Shane Zylstra to add some depth after they traded T.J. Hockenson to the Minnesota Vikings this week.

ALLEN PARK -- Drew Forbes, an offensive guard the Detroit Lions claimed after losing starter Halapoulivaati Vaitai, is heading back to the Cleveland Browns via waivers. Forbes was claimed from the Browns after Vaitai landed on injured reserve with his back injury. He appeared in one game for the Lions, logging five snaps on special teams in the season-opening loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. Detroit released Forbes and tight end Shane Zylstra ahead of last week’s game to make room for offensive tackle Dan Skipper and kicker Dominik Eberle. Awosika logged seven offensive snaps last week against the Seahawks after Evan Brown rolled his ankle.

Bench receivers Kalif Raymond and Quintez Cephus are both candidates to start against Seattle, while Detroit is also dressing two practice squad wideouts, Tom Kennedy and Maurice Alexander. Offensive tackle Dan Skipper and kicker Dominik Eberle are both dressing as well after signing with the 53-man roster on Saturday. He’s dressing in place of Shane Zylstra, who was released over the weekend to make way for the injury replacements. As for the Seahawks, they’re not dressing former Lions cornerback Justin Coleman. The rest of their inactives: Safety Joey Blount, guard Phil Haynes, defensive tackle Myles Adams, receiver Dareke Young, and cornerback Artie Burns.

DETROIT -- The Detroit Lions (1-2) host the Seattle Seahawks (1-2) in Week 4 action back at Ford Field. This post will update with drive summaries, analysis, injury updates, photos, pregame updates and more. Hit refresh to keep up and follow MLive’s Detroit Lions reporters on Twitter -- @BenjaminSRaven and @kmeinke. Also, head over to MLive’s Facebook account after the game for an in-depth breakdown. Related headlines and team stats:#Lions announce roster moves:Signed T Dan Skipper and K Dominik Eberle to the Active RosterElevated WR Tom Kennedy and WR Maurice Alexander from the Practice Squad to the Active/Inactive ListWaived TE Shane Zylstra and G Drew ForbesWR DJ Chark has been downgraded to Out — Detroit Lions (@Lions) October 1, 2022Lions stars Amon-Ra St. Brown, D’Andre Swift won’t play against SeattleSeahawks’ Quandre Diggs reflects on Detroit years before first game back in ‘special place’Lions vs. Seahawks: Fantasy guide and key matchups for Week 42022 TEAM STATSDVOA offensive ranking: Lions 7th | Seahawks 12thDVOA defensive ranking: Lions 22nd | Seahawks 30thNet yards gained per passing attempt: Lions 6.2 (15th) | Seahawks 6.1 (16th)Rushing yards per attempt: Lions 5.9 (1st) | Seahawks 4.0 (24th)Points per game: Lions 31.7 (2nd) | Seahawks 15.7 (29th)Points allowed per game: Lions 31.0 (32nd) | Seahawks 23.3 (21st)Net yards allowed per passing attempt: Lions 6.3 (18th) | Seahawks 7.8 (31st)Rushing yards allowed per attempt: Lions 5.0 (27th) | Seahawks 4.9 (22nd)Takeaways: Lions 2 | Seahawks 4

ALLEN PARK -- Devin Funchess came to Detroit looking to resurrect his NFL career. The Lions are cutting Funchess during their move to the 53-man limit, according to Jordan Schulz. But Funchess bounced around over the last four seasons, from Indianapolis to Green Bay, San Francisco and finally Detroit. A Farmington Hills native, Funchess signed with his hometown Lions looking to get his career back on track. Detroit has also reportedly cut receiver Kalil Pimpleton and offensive lineman Kendell Lamm.

The Detroit Lions needed to get most of their starters some run while taking one last look at bubble players in the preseason finale. And while it wasn’t that group’s best showing, it’s still an optimism-inducing sight to see those five together. Stenberg did himself a favor with strong showings in consecutive weeks while riding the roster bubble. Jackson was solid enough, with two attempts for 53 yards. Jermar Jefferson had a tough day, with six carries for 28 yards (with a long run of 27 yards).

ALLEN PARK -- The Detroit Lions have until Tuesday afternoon to trim their roster to 53 players ahead of the new season. But he doesn’t compete with Trinity Benson’s contributions on special teams. Board is a solid option that could be a key special teams contributor if he gets bumped in the depth chart. “... well, there’s always a tie breaker, it’s going to be special teams,” Campbell said on Friday. “That’s the first, and I mean if it’s close at all, it needs to be somebody we know can help us on special teams.

INDIANAPOLIS -- Dan Campbell was plain about what he wanted to accomplish this week during two joint practices with the Colts. “Getting them really good work, and see if we can get better in those units. After getting in so much good work this week, Campbell said he intends to sit a lot of his regulars for tonight’s preseason game against the Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. And there’ll be a number of guys that have gotten the load here that will still play in this game. With all that said, it’s going to be really interesting to see how Detroit handles Okudah’s workload against the Colts.

ALLEN PARK -- The Detroit Lions are in a similar position to where they were last year regarding their tight end depth behind blossoming star T.J. Hockenson. That’s more production than the tight end had across three seasons at Notre Dame. “We’re continuing to develop the depth there at that position,” Lions tight end coach and passing game coordinator Tanner Engstrand said from OTAs. And maybe we have a really good pass-catching tight end such as T.J., (then) we can go attack a defense that way. The former second-round wide receiver pick has switched back to his college position of tight end.

ALLEN PARK -- The Detroit Lions have been busy since beating Green Bay in the season finale, including signing nine players into futures deals on Monday afternoon. Defensive end Eric Banks, linebacker Tavante Beckett, defensive end Bruce Hector, receiver Javon McKinley, quarterback Steven Montez, cornerback Parnell Motley, offensive tackle Dan Skipper, cornerback Saivion Smith and tight end Shane Zylstra inked futures deal with Detroit. All those players spent time on Detroit’s practice squad this season, while guys like Beckett, Skipper, Hector and Zylstra all suited up for games. Any player not on a 53-man roster for a season finale is eligible to sign a futures contract. Players who are on rosters at the end of the regular season cannot sign with new clubs until the new league year starts on March 16.

But Cabinda suffered a knee injury early in the 20-16 loss to the Falcons on Sunday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. And look, if I’m being totally honest with you, losing Cabinda hurt today.”The reason the Cabinda injury hurt so much is because he was heavily featured in the game plan. In other words, a game plan that was going to rely more heavily on the fullback. Sure enough, Cabinda caught two early passes against Atlanta, the first time he’s ever touched the ball twice in a game. “There was a number of things we had up (for him) and just our base game plan,” Campbell said.

Hockenson sought a second medical opinion, and wound up electing to undergo surgery. “We encourage these guys to get it assessed, you get a second opinion, and then the player weighs the options. He caught four passes for 49 yards and one touchdown in the game, his second straight week with a score. But he was ailing from the thumb injury, did not practice last week and was listed as doubtful for the game in Denver. Hockenson was coming off a Pro Bowl season where he caught 67 passes for 723 yards and six touchdowns.

The Detroit Lions didn’t just elevate seven players from the practice squad for their trip to Denver. The veteran corner known for his work in the slot moved to outside cornerback for most of his 62 defensive plays. Reynolds was the most impressive performer off the practice squad, running 11 times for 83 yards, adding two receptions for 16 yards. Reynolds, who impressed during the preseason, has been stuck on the practice squad behind D’Andre Swift, Jamaal Williams, Godwin Igwebuike and Jermar Jefferson.. Moore saw 26 defensive plays, keeping his key role on special teams.

The Denver Broncos honored the late Demaryius Thomas with a 38-10 win over Detroit and tributes including a video montage and a moment of silence.

The Detroit Lions (1-10-1) won for the first time last week, but head into this weekend’s trip to face the Denver Broncos (6-6) after a challenging week. Detroit has seven players on the COVID reserve list, with 12 players questionable and another deemed doubtful. Detroit Lions at Denver Broncos: Matchups to watch, key questions heading into Week 14Let’s take a closer look at players actually expected to play, while looking at key matchups and answering some questions. Detroit Lions working to keep CB Jerry Jacobs grounded through ups and downs of rookie year“Well, first off, that’s you guys, giving him all this praise. Now he’s thinking he’s the next Deion Sanders,” Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn said.

DENVER -- The COVID outbreak isn’t over yet. The Detroit Lions moved linebacker Tavante Beckett to the COVID list on Saturday afternoon, the seventh player to land on the list this week. That makes this the largest COVID outbreak since the start of the pandemic for Detroit. Another 12 players are questionable, which means 43% of the roster -- nearly half -- either will not play in Denver or will do so banged up. Considering the roster wasn’t all that good to begin with, the Lions figure to field a team that is barely recognizable on Sunday.

T.J. Hockenson highlights the top of the room, with the third-year tight end fresh off his first Pro Bowl appearance expected to be a focal point of the offense. It’s just the first time the coach has said it with a bare tight end room. Pinkney, 24, spent last season on Atlanta’s practice squad after signing as an undrafted free agent. The 6-foot-4, 255-pound tight end caught 114 balls for 1,560 yards and 14 touchdowns across four seasons at Vanderbilt. Zylstra is an interesting prospect, recently converting from wide receiver to tight end while with the Vikings through camp.

ALLEN PARK -- The Detroit Lions are adding some quarterback insurance to their practice squad, inking Steven Montez to the club’s initial 16-man unit. Receiver Sage Surratt, defensive tackle Miles Brown and tight end Shane Zylstra were also among the early signings. Montez went undrafted last year before landing with the Washington Football Team, where he spent almost the entire season on the practice squad. Detroit also is using its practice squad to fortify its depth at tight end, where just T.J. Hockenson and Darren Fells made the initial roster. At 6-foot-4, he tried to make the Minnesota Vikings’ roster as a third tight end but was cut this week.