- Shane Zylstra
- #84
- Team DET
- Pos TE
- Status AActive
-
No production in Week 17
Zylstra did not garner a target in Thursday's 23-10 loss to Minnesota.
Analysis: Zylstra went without a target for the second time in three games since returning from injured reserve. The tight end maintained a slight lead in offensive workload over Anthony Firkser, logging 42 offensive snaps to Firkser's 35, though the latter did garner a target. Zylstra will look to finish off the regular season on a higher note when Detroit heads to Chicago in Week 18.
Published: Fri, Dec 26 at 3:21pm by Rotowire.com
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Three catches in defeat
Zylstra caught three of five targets for 20 yards in Sunday's 29-24 loss to Pittsburgh.
Analysis: Zylstra was able to secure his first passes of the year after going catchless in his return to action in Week 15. The tight end saw 20 more snaps on offense (45) than backup Anthony Firkser (25), but Firkser caught all four of his targets for 40 yards. Zylstra and Firkser will likely continue to split the workload at tight end Christmas Day against the Vikings, making both players relatively unappealing from a fantasy perspective.
Published: Mon, Dec 22 at 11:38am by Rotowire.com
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No targets in return to action
Zylstra didn't draw a target in Sunday's 41-34 loss to the Rams.
Analysis: Zylstra made his return to action after missing 11 contests with a knee injury, immediately taking over as the team's primary tight end, logging 35 offensive snaps to backup Anthony Firkser's 22 snaps on offense. Zylstra will have a chance to be more involved moving forward with Sam LaPorta (back) and Brock Wright (neck) on injured reserve, and he'll look to reel in his first pass of the year in Week 16 against Pittsburgh.
Published: Mon, Dec 15 at 12:34pm by Rotowire.com
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Making return Sunday
Zylstra (knee) is active for Sunday's Week 15 contest against the Rams.
Analysis: Zylstra was hurt in Week 2 against Chicago and subsequently landed on IR. He was activated Saturday and is now officially ready to return to action. With Sam LaPorta (back) and Brock Wright (neck) both on injured reserve, there is room for Zylstra to carve out a tangible role in the Lions' tight-end corps.
Published: Sun, Dec 14 at 12:25pm by Rotowire.com
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Activated from IR
Detroit activated Zylstra (knee) from injured reserve Saturday.
Analysis: Zylstra has been dealing with a knee injury since Week 2, and he was designated to return to practice Dec. 1. The 29-year-old remained sidelined during last week's win over the Cowboys, but he's trending toward playing ahead of this Sunday's matchup versus the Rams. Zylstra has been a reliable blocking tight end over the past four seasons with Detroit, but with TE1 Sam LaPorta (back) and Brock Wright (neck) both on IR, he could be more involved as a pass catcher alongside Anthony Firkser moving…read more
Published: Sat, Dec 13 at 2:54pm by Rotowire.com
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Questionable to play Sunday
Zylstra (knee) is questionable for Sunday's matchup against the Rams, Eric Woodyard of ESPN.com reports.
Analysis: Zylstra logged three limited practices heading into Week 15 against the Rams, a step up from his practice progression in Week 14 when he ended the week as a non-participant. If the 29-year old does return, he would be making his first appearance since Week 2 against the Bears. The fifth-year pro plays a majority of snaps on special teams but could possibly see a larger role on offense with Sam LaPorta (back) on injured reserve.
Published: Fri, Dec 12 at 2:53pm by Rotowire.com
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Returns to limited practice
Zylstra (knee) logged a limited practice Wednesday.
Analysis: Zylstra is working his way back from a knee injury that has held him out since Week 3. He began last week with a similar limited practice before downgrading to no practice, so his progression this week should give an indication of whether he'll be able to return to the field in Week 15 against the Rams.
Published: Wed, Dec 10 at 4:51pm by Rotowire.com
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Won't play Thursday
Zylstra (knee) has been ruled out for Thursday's game versus the Cowboys.
Analysis: Zylstra has been on injured reserve since getting hurt in Week 2 against the Bears, and he finally returned to practice Monday. The 29-year-old tight end isn't quite ready to return to action, however, and he'll aim to get back in the mix in Week 15 versus the Rams. Last season, Zylstra averaged just 9.0 offensive snaps per game.
Published: Wed, Dec 3 at 3:29pm by Rotowire.com
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Downgrades to DNP on Tuesday
Zylstra (knee) did not participate at practice Tuesday.
Analysis: It's a somewhat concerning sign for Zylstra, who Detroit just designated for return to practice from its injured reserve list Monday. It's looking increasingly unlikely he'll be able to suit up Thursday versus the Cowboys.
Published: Tue, Dec 2 at 4:30pm by Rotowire.com
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Limited practice Monday
Zylstra (knee) was a limited participant at practice Monday.
Analysis: Zylstra had his 21-day practice window opened Monday after spending the last two months on injured reserve with what previously was labeled an ankle injury, but the Lions' first Week 14 practice report has him tagged with a knee injury. Irrespective of the issue, the tight end is likely a long shot to play in Thursday night's matchup with the Cowboys, but with Brock Wright (neck) potentially set to miss extended time, Zylstra will provide the team with some much-needed depth once activated from…read more
Published: Mon, Dec 1 at 4:59pm by Rotowire.com
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Practice window opens
Zylstra (ankle) was designated to return from the injured reserve list Monday, Tim Twentyman of the Lions' official site reports.
Analysis: The Minnesota State product has missed the Lions' last 10 games after sustaining an ankle injury in the Week 2 win over the Bears. Detroit now has 21 days to add Zylstra to its active roster before he reverts to IR. Once fully healthy, Zylstra is expected to play a depth role in the Lions' tight-end corps.
Published: Mon, Dec 1 at 11:34am by Rotowire.com
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Placed on injured reserve
The Lions placed Zylstra (ankle) on injured reserve Tuesday.
Analysis: Zylstra suffered an ankle injury during the Lions' Week 2 win over the Bears. He is required to miss at least the next four games, which makes Week 7 against the Buccaneers on Sunday, Oct. 20 the earliest he can return. Sam LaPorta and Brock Wright are the Lions' two lone tight ends on the 53-man roster, but Detroit shored up its depth at the position by signing Ross Dwelley to the practice squad.
Published: Tue, Sep 16 at 4:10pm by Rotowire.com
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Will not return Sunday
Zylstra (ankle) is out for the remainder of Sunday's game against the Bears.
Analysis: The tight end did not record a stat before exiting earlier in the first half. Detroit still has two tight ends, Sam LaPorta and Brock Wright, ahead of Zylstra on the depth chart.
Published: Sun, Sep 14 at 11:16am by Rotowire.com
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Questionable to return Sunday
Zylstra (ankle) is questionable to return to Sunday's game against the Bears.
Analysis: The tight end did not record a stat before exiting. Zylstra played on 10 special-teams snaps and six offensive snaps in Week 1. He is listed as Detroit's third tight end behind Sam LaPorta and Brock Wright.
Published: Sun, Sep 14 at 10:36am by Rotowire.com
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Staying in Motor City
Detroit will re-sign Zylstra for the 2025 season, Eric Woodyard of ESPN.com reports.
Analysis: The Lions added Zylstra to the active roster from their practice squad in November of 2024, and over 13 games including the playoffs, he caught his only target for 22 yards. He also contributed on special teams, logging more snaps in that phase than on offense for the first time in his career. Barring injuries, his role on Detroit's offense is likely to be minor in 2025.
Published: Tue, Mar 18 at 10:19am by Rotowire.com
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Quiet 2024 campaign
Zylstra finished the 2024 regular season having caught his only target for 22 yards over 10 games.
Analysis: Zylstra was virtually nonexistent on the offensive side of the ball in 2024, operating as the No. 3 tight end behind Sam LaPorta and Brock Wright. Zylstra's only catch came in Week 11 against the Jaguars when LaPorta didn't play due to a shoulder injury. Zylstra will enter the offseason as a restricted free agent, meaning the Lions will have the ability to match any offer put in front of him by another team.
Published: Sun, Jan 26 at 9:02pm by Rotowire.com
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Cleared from injury report
Zylstra (neck) was listed as a full participant on Wednesday's practice estimate.
Analysis: Zylstra left Sunday's win over the Jaguars early with the injury, but it doesn't appear the tight end is suffering any lasting effects from it. Barring any setbacks, he should be good to go Week 12 against the Colts.
Published: Wed, Nov 20 at 2:01pm by Rotowire.com
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Sustains neck injury vs. Jags
Zylstra exited Sunday's 52-6 win over the Jaguars due to a neck injury.
Analysis: The injury occurred late in the fourth quarter of Sunday's game, and given the blowout, there was no reason to risk having Zylstra on the field. The severity of Zylsta's neck injury may not truly be known until the Lions' first practice Wednesday.
Published: Sun, Nov 17 at 2:24pm by Rotowire.com
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Helping fill in for LaPorta
Zylstra and Brock Wright will take on larger roles with starting tight end Sam LaPorta (shoulder) ruled out for Sunday's game against Jacksonville, the Lansing State Journal reports.
Analysis: Zylstra had a three-TD performance Week 16 of 2022, but he's seen just three targets in the NFL since then, and none this season. He did take five of the 14 snaps in 11 personnel after LaPorta left a Week 10 win over Houston, with Wright getting the other nine snaps and also finishing without a target. Wright is the favorite to lead Detroit's tight ends in snaps and routes this week, but Zylstra also figures to play more than usual, including some work in single-TE formations.
Published: Fri, Nov 15 at 1:55pm by Rotowire.com
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Signed to active roster
The Lions signed Zylstra from the practice squad to the active roster Saturday.
Analysis: Zylstra was elevated from the practice squad for the maximum three times this season, and he'll continue to play in Detroit after being signed to the active roster. Zylstra will serve as the Lions' No. 3 tight end Sunday against the Texans behind Sam LaPorta and Brock Wright.
Published: Sat, Nov 9 at 7:08pm by Rotowire.com
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Reverts to practice squad
Zylstra reverted to Detroit's practice squad Monday.
Analysis: Zylstra played exclusively on special teams during Sunday's win versus Green Bay. He has now been elevated three times this season and would need to be signed to the active roster in order to be eligible to play again.
Published: Mon, Nov 4 at 5:49pm by Rotowire.com
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Elevated for Week 9
The Lions elevated Zylstra from the practice squad to the active roster Saturday.
Analysis: This is the third and final time that the Lions can elevate Zylstra from the practice squad this season. He'll serve as Detroit's No. 3 tight end Sunday against the Packers behind starter Sam LaPorta and backup Brock Wright.
Published: Sat, Nov 2 at 9:11pm by Rotowire.com
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Back with practice squad
Zylstra reverted to the Lions' practice squad Monday, per the NFL's official transaction log.
Analysis: Zylstra operated as the Lions' No. 3 option at tight end behind Sam LaPorta and Brock Wright in the team's 52-14 win over the Titans in Week 8, failing to record any offensive stats while playing 13 of the team's 48 snaps on that side of the ball. He did record a tackle in punt coverage while playing 20 snaps with the special-teams unit. Zylstra can still be elevated one more time before he'd have to be officially signed to the active roster.
Published: Mon, Oct 28 at 5:32pm by Rotowire.com
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Elevated from practice squad
The Lions elevated Zylstra from the practice squad to the active roster Saturday.
Analysis: Zylstra is being elevated for a second consecutive week, giving him an opportunity to suit up and handle a depth role Sunday versus Tennessee. He played three offensive snaps Week 7 versus the Vikings and was not targeted.
Published: Sat, Oct 26 at 1:31pm by Rotowire.com
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Reverts to practice squad
Zylstra reverted to Detroit's practice squad Monday.
Analysis: Zylstra was elevated to the active roster for the first time this season, and he ended up seeing playing time on both offense and special teams but failed to record any stats. The 27-year-old will now wait for his next opportunity to be called up for a game.
Published: Mon, Oct 21 at 6:07pm by Rotowire.com
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Elevated for Week 7
The Lions elevated Zylstra from the practice squad to the active roster Saturday.
Analysis: Zylstra was unable to make the Lions' 53-man roster at the conclusion of training camp, but he opted to stick around on the practice squad. It's his first elevation of the season, though he will likely only see the field on special teams as he serves as the No. 4 tight end behind Sam LaPorta, Brock Wright and Parker Hesse. If Zylstra does see playing time Sunday against the Vikings, it'll be his first regular-season action since 2022, during which he caught 11 passes (on 15 targets) for 60…read more
Published: Sat, Oct 19 at 1:48pm by Rotowire.com
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Returns to Detroit
Zylstra signed with the Lions' practice squad Wednesday.
Analysis: After missing all of the Lions' 2023 campaign due to a knee injury, Zylstra was left off Detroit's initial 53-man roster. However, he'll remain in Detroit after inking a deal to return to the team's practice squad Wednesday. The Minnesota State product could be elevated to the Lions' active roster at some point this season if one of Sam LaPorta (hamstring), Brock Wright or Parker Hesse misses time.
Published: Thu, Aug 29 at 12:22pm by Rotowire.com
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Dropped by Detroit
The Lions waived Zylstra on Monday, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.
Analysis: Zylstra missed all of 2023 due to a knee injury, and Detroit has now decided to part ways with the 27-year-old. He appeared in 13 regular-season games for the Lions in 2022, catching 11 of his 15 targets for 60 yards and four touchdowns.
Published: Mon, Aug 26 at 4:01pm by Rotowire.com
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Stays in Detroit
Zylstra (knee) re-signed with the Lions on Monday.
Analysis: Zylstra spent the entirety of the 2023 campaign on IR with a knee injury suffered during training camp, but he should be considered healthy with his return to the team. The 27-year-old last suited up in 2022, when he made 11 receptions (on 15 targets) for 60 yards and four touchdowns across 13 contests. He'll likely be competing for a depth role in the Lions' tight end corps in 2024.
Published: Mon, Mar 4 at 1:46pm by Rotowire.com
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Reverted to IR
Zylstra (knee) cleared waivers Wednesday and has reverted to Detroit's injured reserved.
Analysis: The 26-year-old suffered a knee injury during camp Tuesday and was waived with an injury designation. He'll now be forced to miss the Lions entire 2023 campaign after clearing waivers and going on IR.
Published: Wed, Aug 2 at 3:25pm by Rotowire.com
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Waived with injury designation
The Lions waived Zylstra (knee) on Tuesday with an injury designation.
Analysis: If Zylstra clears waivers, he'll revert to the Lions' injured reserve and be forced to miss the entire 2023 campaign barring an injury settlement. The 26-year-old is expected to be sidelined for at least six months due to the knee injury, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.
Published: Tue, Aug 1 at 2:17pm by Rotowire.com
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Suffers knee injury
Zylstra injured his knee Monday, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.
Analysis: Zylstra's injury is believed to be serious and could keep him out of action for the next six months. The 26-year-old re-signed with Detroit in April after catching 11 of 15 targets for 60 yards and four touchdowns and will now spend the season focusing on getting healthy.
Published: Mon, Jul 31 at 4:32pm by Rotowire.com
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Inks deal with Detroit
The Lions re-signed Zylstra, who was an exclusive rights free agent, on Monday, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.
Analysis: Zylstra and Brock Wright both saw increased work last year after Detroit traded T.J. Hockenson to the Vikings. The Minnesota State product finished with 11 receptions on 15 targets for 60 yards and four touchdowns in 2022, his second season with the Lions. Zylstra and Wright will be back next season and currently sit atop the Lions' tight end depth chart, but things could change quickly after the 2023 NFL Draft.
Published: Mon, Apr 17 at 2:34pm by Rotowire.com
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Ends season with whimper
Zylstra played 22 of the Lions' 60 snaps on offense and failed to haul in his lone target in Sunday's 20-16 win over the Packers.
Analysis: After a big three-touchdown outing in the Lions' Week 16 loss to the Panthers, Zylstra was unable to carry that momentum into Detroit's final two games of the season. Between wins over Chicago and Green Bay to close out the campaign, Zylstra recorded one catch for seven yards on three targets. The 26-year-old ultimately tallied 11 receptions for 60 yards and four touchdowns on 15 targets over his 13 appearances this season, and though those numbers put him roughly on par with Brock Wright as…read more
Published: Thu, Jan 12 at 9:51am by Rotowire.com
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Completes hat trick
Zylstra brought in five of six targets for 26 yards with three touchdowns during Saturday's 37-23 loss to Carolina.
Analysis: Becoming a bigger and bigger part of the passing game in every passing week since Detroit traded T.J. Hockenson, Zylstra was again used on short routes Saturday -- particularly near the goal line. However, this marked Zylstra's first game of the season with more than two targets, and he's averaging just over five yards per catch on his 10 receptions this season. Despite the big day, Zylstra is probably not on the fantasy radar in Week 17 against Chicago.
Published: Sat, Dec 24 at 2:33pm by Rotowire.com
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Records two catches in Week 14 win
Zylstra played 23 of the Lions' 68 snaps on offense and finished with two receptions for 18 yards on two targets in Sunday's 34-23 win over the Vikings.
Analysis: Though Brock Wright led the Detroit tight-end room with a 56 percent snap share, Zylstra led the position group in production. Zylstra has four receptions for 23 yards and a touchdown over his nine appearances on the season and is unlikely to see more than a look or two in the passing attack while Detroit has all of its key receivers and running backs available.
Published: Wed, Dec 14 at 8:59am by Rotowire.com
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Gets promotion to 53-man roster
Detroit signed Zylstra from its practice squad to the active roster Saturday ahead of Sunday's game at Chicago.
Analysis: After he caught a touchdown in Week 9, Zylstra was added to the 53-man roster for good ahead of Week 10. When the Lions traded away T.J. Hockenson, Zylstra became arguably the team's best remaining receiving threat at tight end.
Published: Sat, Nov 12 at 3:03pm by Rotowire.com
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Sent back to practice squad
Detroit reverted Zylstra to its practice squad Monday, per the NFL's transaction log.
Analysis: Zylstra was summoned to the active roster ahead of the Week 9 win over the Packers and played five special-teams snaps as well as 16 of a possible 62 offensive snaps. That put him well behind Brock Wright's 50 snaps but ahead of James Mitchell's 13. Zylstra made the most of his one target Sunday, hauling in a one-yard touchdown in the second quarter. With T.J. Hockenson now with Minnesota, it wouldn't be surprising to see Zylstra be elevated again for Week 10.
Published: Mon, Nov 7 at 3:59pm by Rotowire.com
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Back on active roster
Zylstra was elevated from Detroit's practice squad to the active roster ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Dolphins.
Analysis: Zylstra will be on the Lions' active roster for the first time since Week 3. He has served primarily on special teams in three contests this season, though he may see a slight uptick in offensive role in the absence of T.J. Hockenson.
Published: Sat, Nov 5 at 7:42pm by Rotowire.com
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Inks practice-squad deal
The Lions signed Zylstra to the practice squad Tuesday.
Analysis: Zylstra appeared in each of the first three games of the season but didn't record a single offensive statistic. He was waived by Detroit ahead of the team's Week 4 loss to the Seahawks, but he's been brought back on a practice-squad deal. The 6-foot-4 tight end will be a likely candidate to be elevated on a weekly basis, but he'd presumably be relegated to primarily special-team duties.
Published: Tue, Oct 4 at 10:23am by Rotowire.com
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Waived by Lions
Zylstra was waived by Detroit on Saturday.
Analysis: Zylstra was active for each of Detroit's first three games but didn't log an offensive statistic. He was on the field for a significant number of snaps on special teams, which could help him find another opportunity around the league.
Published: Sat, Oct 1 at 9:55pm by Rotowire.com
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Moving around well at minicamp
Zylstra (knee) has been a full participant in the offseason training program and was a "go-to tight end" for all three Lions quarterbacks during this week's minicamp, Tim Twentyman of the Lions' official site reports.
Analysis: Zylstra is back in action after fracturing his kneecap Week 16 of last season. With T.J. Hockenson getting limited reps and rookie James Mitchell (knee) sidelined due to injury, it sounds like Zylstra made significantly more noise during padless minicamp than the likes of Brock Wright or Garrett Griffin. While there will be no pushing Hockenson for snaps or opportunities anytime soon, Zylstra could be making a case for the No. 2 or 3 spot on the depth chart.
Published: Sun, Jun 12 at 10:16pm by Rotowire.com
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