The Detroit Lions are reportedly waiving both TE Shane Zylstra and RB Zonovan Knight.
The Detroit Lions are reportedly parting ways with two young offensive weapons. Per Tom Pelissero, the Lions are waiving running back Zonovan Knight and tight end Shane Zylstra.
Knight was in a tough position given Detroit’s crowded running back room. With David Montgomery, Jahmyr Gibbs, Craig Reynolds, and rookie Sione Vaki comfortably ahead of Knight in the pecking order, it was always going to be tough to convince the Lions front office to keep him—or any running back for a fifth spot on the roster. That said, Jermar Jefferson is still a candidate for that job should it be available.
Zylstra was in the middle of one of the tightest roster battles on the roster at tight end. Earlier in the month, offensive coordinator Ben Johnson called it, “the best room that I’ve been around in 13 years now from top to bottom.”
With Sam LaPorta and Brock Wright already roster locks, that left just one or two spots left for Zylstra, Parker Hesse, Sean McKeon, and James Mitchell. While we’re still waiting to hear the fate of the other three players, this is likely a sign that Mitchell—the team’s fifth-round pick in 2022—has a much easier path to the 53-man roster now.
It’s a tough break for Zylstra, who led all Lions tight ends with six catches and 41 yards in the preseason. Last year, he seemed destined to make a run at the 53-man roster, but he suffered a knee injury toward the end of camp and missed the entire season. He made a strong run at it again this year, but apparently came up just short.
Both Knight and Zylstra are subject to waivers and candidates to return to Detroit’s practice squad should they go unclaimed.