The Detroit Lions had fallen into a routine with their protected practice squad players. For most of the season, they have protected the same four players:
- Ryan Santoso, kicker
- Steven Montez, quarterback
- Bruce Hector, defensive lineman
- Jalen Elliott, safety
This week, the Lions continued to protect Santoso, Montez, and Hector, but Elliott was signed to the active roster Tuesday morning, leaving Detroit with an available option to protect a new player. The new player the Lions chose to protect was:
- Shayne Zylstra, tight end
With the release of Darren Fells and subsequent signing of rookie Brock Wright from their practice squad, the Lions’ depth chart at tight end was thinning out.