Detroit Lions

Lions must turn to TE Eric Ebron after Brandon Pettigrew's injury

Published Dec. 16, 2015 11:30 a.m. ET

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The Detroit Lions have lost tight end Brandon Pettigrew (knee) for the remainder of the season, leaving second-year pro Eric Ebron squarely in the spotlight. Timothy Wright and Bear Pascoe are the only other healthy tight ends on the roster, so this is Ebron's time to shine.

With three games left, the young tight end is up for the challenge before him.

Via Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press:

Ebron was the 10th-overall selection in last year's draft, but he has been slow to develop into a productive pass-catcher. After catching just 25 passes for 248 yards as a rookie, he is projected to finish with fewer than 500 passing yards again this season.

I'm just trying to contribute, either way I can, however I can. You're right. Most of my production did come from when 'Grew was out, but that doesn't mean anything, and I just got to continue to grind.

With Pettigrew out of the lineup, Ebron should have more opportunities moving forward. The biggest challenge for the 255-pound tight end will be holding his own as a blocker.