Cole Wick

Cole Wick was running a lot with the Lions starting offense on Monday, while Eric Ebron sat out with a sore right ankle. Along with blocking specialist Matthew Mulligan, a nine-year journeyman, they are now the team's top healthy tight ends.

And unless Ebron makes a speedy return, that could be the rotation when Detroit opens the preseason on Friday night against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

"I'm hoping to get a little more experience, as far as the speed of the game at this level and in the NFL," Wick said of the prospective opportunity. "That's one thing I'm really looking forward to."

Wick has changed a lot of minds since he signed after the draft, particularly with his hands, the story said. He was one of three players to catch a touchdown pass Saturday in the mock game at Ford Field, and hauled in another difficult ball Monday morning. It looks like Ebron could be OK after we saw reports he was walking without crutches or a boot, but the Lions gave no other information today. In the meantime, it looks like Wick could benefit at the position seeing lots of reps.