Lions add another tight end to strengthen the group after latest injury update

The signing of Oakes is just the latest of former UFL players that the Lions have been adding to their roster before their third preseason game against the Miami Dolphins at Ford Field next Saturday afternoon.

The Lions signed former DC Defenders running back Deon Jackson and offensive lineman Gunner Britton, as well as Birmingham Stallions offensive lineman Keaton Sutherland.

Oakes' college and UFL career

Oakes played his college career not far from Detroit, serving as a valuable tight end for Eastern Michigan from 2018 to 2022. In his five seasons with the Eagles, Oakes recorded 621 receiving yards and two touchdowns. The Panthers drafted the Swanton, Ohio native in the seventh round of the 2023 USFL Draft.

Oakes has appeared in all ten regular-season games for the Panthers this season, including the USFL Championship game against the Stallions, which Michigan lost 31-18. Oakes made one start at tight end for the Panthers last season as he backed up Cole Hikutini, who made eight starts at the position.

The former Hawkeye tight end, Oakes, finished the season with 14 catches for 162 yards and two touchdowns.

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The addition of Oakes provides extra depth for the Lions heading into the final stretch of the preseason after Detroit placed tight end Kenny Yeboah on the IR. Yeboah was in the hunt for the third-string tight end spot, but his season is now over after being placed on IR.

Oakes is set to join a tight end room that features Sam LaPorta, Brock Wright, Shane Zylstra, and Zach Horton. The tight end group, like the running back room, is pretty much established for the Lions' final 53-man roster for the regular season, with Zylstra and Horton battling it out for the third-string position.

That leaves Oakes and Stilianos likely battling it out for a spot on the Lions' practice squad the rest of the preseason. Detroit has two more preseason bouts to get through before the start of the season, so that practice squad is sure to shape up soon.

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