Brandon Pettigrew

Lions TE Joseph Fauria’s absence ensures a larger role for first-round pick Eric Ebron, who has been splitting reps with Fauria as the No. 2 tight end behind Brandon Pettigrew the past three weeks. Those snaps, theoretically, are now all Ebron’s.

On Thursday, Lions offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi said at some point he expected Ebron to eventually have a big role in the Detroit offense.

Now, the Lions have little choice but to use him.

Ebron isn't a dependable start, but given the situation (bye week, good matchup, Fauria out), Ebron is a desperation start with some upside if he sees heavy playing time against the Jets.