Allen Park — The Detroit Lions returned a much-needed reinforcement at tight end Thursday, with veteran Tyler Conklin participating in his first practice of training camp.
Signed by the team in March following a one-year tenure with the Los Angeles Chargers, Conklin had previously missed time with a calf injury he sustained while working with the team at OTAs or mandatory minicamp this spring.
“Conklin’s going to probably be about two weeks here, somewhere in there,” Lions coach Dan Campbell said July 29. “He’s running. … We’re hopeful. (There’s been) no setbacks. We’re trying to be smart with him, but hopefully (we can) get him back as soon as possible, so we can get some reps on him.”
According to the NFL’s transaction wire, Conklin passed his physical Wednesday.
The Lions recently lost tight ends Anthony Firkser (fibula) and undrafted free agent Miles KItselman (leg) to long-term injuries. With Firkser and Kitselman out, the Lions had been leaning on Thomas Gordon, Zach Horton, Jackson Meeks and Nick Muse to back up Sam LaPorta and Brock Wright.
Conklin had a quiet campaign in 2025 (101 yards on seven catches) but was productive with the New York Jets (2022-24), adding 1,622 yards and seven touchdowns on 170 receptions.
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This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Lions tight end Tyler Conklin back at practice following calf injury
Reporting by Richard Silva, The Detroit News / The Detroit News
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By Richard Silva, The Detroit News | USA TODAY Network
