Lions add tight end to the practice squad as another will miss time

The Detroit Lions are shoring up their tight end depth by signing TE Ross Dwelley to the practice squad. Today's announcement was complemented by the signing of quarterback Malik Cunningham to the practice squad. While Cunningham's signing is likely due to the team preparing for the athletically gifted Lamar Jackson leading up to their Monday Night Football game against Jackson's Baltimore Ravens, Dwelley's signing fits a different objective. On Sunday's explosive 52-21 victory over the Chicago Bears, backup TE Shane Zylstra left the game after injuring his ankle. The Lions have since announced that Zylstra will go on the Reserved/Injured list. No return timetable has been announced, but per NFL IR rules, Zylstra will miss at least four games. Dwelley went undrafted in 2018 after starting 44 games at the University of San Diego. Dwelley spent six seasons with the San Francisco 49ers, starting 17 games. Dwelley made a brief stop with the Atlanta Falcons in 2024 before returning to the 49ers in 2025, where he