The Detroit Lions addressed injuries at linebacker and tight end by making key roster adjustments on Saturday.
They signed linebacker Ezekiel Turner from the practice squad and promoted former fifth-round pick James Mitchell. Sam LaPorta (shoulder) is out for this game after sustaining an AC joint sprain during the victory over the Houston Texans.
Even with Malcolm Rodriguez returning from a two-game absence, the Lions needed additional linebacker support for Week 11. Ben Niemann (ankle) is questionable, and Jalen Reeves-Maybin (neck) remains on injured reserve. Turner made an impact on special teams last week, tying for the team lead with 26 snaps in his first appearance this season.
 Mitchell’s promotion is also a logical move.
With LaPorta sidelined, Brock Wright and Shane Zylstra are elevated on the depth chart. Zylstra, who recently replaced Parker Hesse, will likely serve as TE2 behind Wright for this week’s matchup.
This will probably mark Mitchell’s first game action of the season. Over the past two years, he has appeared in 29 games, recording 13 receptions for 141 yards and one touchdown. Mitchell has also logged 340 offensive snaps and 277 special teams snaps under the current coaching staff.
While LaPorta’s pass-catching skills will be missed against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Ford Field, the Lions feel confident in their experience and familiarity at the tight end position.
