The Lions may have stumbled onto a useful answer at tight end just as Sam LaPorta’s injury clouds the start of their season.
Detroit will be without LaPorta for an unknown amount of time, though the injury is not believed to be long-term. That puts more attention on the depth chart, and it also shines a light on Jackson Meeks, the former wide receiver the Lions signed after he went undrafted in the 2025 draft.
Meeks’ college path was unusual, but his production at Syracuse made him worth a look. He spent his first three years at Georgia and finished that stretch with 10 receptions.
Then he transferred to Syracuse for his senior season and broke out with 78 catches for 1,021 yards and seven touchdowns. Detroit has spent this offseason trying to mold him into a tight end, and the early returns have been encouraging.
That showed up in the Lions’ preseason win over the Washington Commanders. Meeks caught four passes for 33 yards and also hauled in a fourth-down grab in the fourth quarter to keep a drive alive. Plays like that can change a roster battle fast, and this one may have gone a long way toward locking up his place on the team.
If LaPorta is sidelined for a while, Brock Wright and Tyler Conklin would handle most of the load at tight end. Meeks wouldn’t replace LaPorta, but he could give Detroit a more explosive option and some much-needed depth at the spot.
LaPorta’s recent injury history is part of why this matters. After playing in just nine games last season because of a season-ending back injury, he still hasn’t put together a full season since his rookie year.
The market outside the building is thin, too. Jonnu Smith is the most notable tight end available, but the Lions probably won’t need to go that route unless another injury changes the picture.
Meeks added value on special teams as well, forcing a fumble on a kickoff against the Commanders to help seal the win. That kind of versatility is exactly why Dan Campbell appears willing to keep him around. One more strong showing in Saturday’s final preseason game against the Colts could be enough to put Meeks’ name on the 53-man roster.
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