Future Hall-of-Fame TE Tony Gonzalez called out Lions TE Eric Ebron on Monday.  “From a talent perspective, he could be one of the best tight ends in the league,” Gonzo said. “I don’t know who’s teaching him out there. I don’t know what his coach is telling him, but obviously, I would think that he needs to turn his routine around. Whatever he’s doing, is not helping him be the best. If he could figure out a routine that would help him get to where he should be, then he’ll be on his way. But a lot of guys don’t do that; they don’t figure it out.”  Ebron has been a relative disappointment since being selected 10th overall back in 2014.  But he'll turn just 23 in April and showed growth in his 2nd season, posting a 47-537-5 line and finishing 7th among TEs in PPR points per target.  Ebron could take another statistical leap forward in 2016, especially if WR Calvin Johnson follows through on his retirement.

Lions TE Eric Ebron (illness) is listed as questionable for Monday night's game against the Saints.  He was limited on Friday and held out on Saturday.  Players almost always play through illnesses, so we'd feel comfortable keeping Ebron in fantasy lineups if he's your best option.

The Lions have fired OC Joe Lombardi.  The offense has been a mess for most of the year and currently ranks 20th in yards per game and 29th in points per game.  The complete lack of a running game has been the biggest problem.  Detroit sits dead last in rush yards per game and 31st in yards per carry.  Lombardi will be replaced by Jim Bob Cooter, who was hired as QBs coach prior to the 2014 campaign.  He worked with QB Peyton Manning in Denver in 2013 and also spent time with the Colts and Titans.  We're skeptical that this move will do much for the Lions offense going forward.

Lions TE Eric Ebron (knee) is active for today’s game against the Vikings. He’s caught at least 4 balls in all 3 of his full games this season, including a 5-43-1 line vs. Minnesota. Ebron is a low-end TE1 for Week 7.

Lions TE Eric Ebron (knee) practiced all week and is probable for Sunday’s game against the Vikings. He’s caught at least 4 balls in all 3 of his full games this season, including a 5-43-1 line vs. Minnesota. Ebron is a low-end TE1 for Week 7.

Lions TE Eric Ebron (knee) is out for Sunday’s game against the Bears. He put in 3 limited practices this week but evidently isn’t ready for game-action yet. Expect him back for Week 7 Brandon Pettigrew and Tim Wright will share TE duties this week, but neither is a fantasy option.

Lions TE Eric Ebron (knee) returned to practice on Wednesday.  It gives him a shot to play against the Bears this weekend.  The 2nd-year TE hauled in 4+ balls in each of his first 3 games before exiting early in Week 4.

Lions TE Eric Ebron told ESPN's Josina Anderson that he could miss "up to 3 weeks" with the knee injury he suffered in Monday night's loss to the Seahawks.  He's dealing with a bruised knee and doesn't need surgery.  We'll keep tabs on his progress, but Ebron owners should obviously be looking for a multi-week replacement.  

An MRI on Lions TE Eric Ebron's knee revealed no structural damage, according to insider Adam Caplan.  Ebron avoided a significant injury, but his Week 5 status remains uncertain.  We'll update his status throughout the week.  Tim Wright will serve as Detroit's pass-catching TE if Ebron can't play against the Cardinals on Sunday.

Lions TE Eric Ebron injured his knee in the 2nd quarter of Monday night's game against the Seahawks.  He walked gingerly off the field and was obviously frustrated while being examined by trainers.  He's officially questionable to return.

Lions TE Eric Ebron has worked on building chemistry with QB Matt Stafford this offseason.  "Talking, just communicating. Just understanding what's going on in his mind," Ebron explained. "We both understand now the same thing, we both speak the same language so that's how it works for us. Nowadays, it's just like Coach said, be the quarterback's best friend, so just let him know I'm here for him, continue making plays for him and that's it."  Like most rookie TEs, Ebron struggled last year.  But he's had a "solid camp" so far, per insider Dave Birkett, and is expected to be a "significant contributor" this season.  You won't want to bank on Ebron as your every-week fantasy starter to open the year, but he's an upside TE2 available in the late rounds of drafts.

Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press says that Lions TE Eric Ebron's "inconsistency is maddening." Birkett pointed to a "nice leaping catch" in Thursday's practice, to go with a pair of drops. The talent got Ebron drafted early in Round 1 in 2014 and still makes him a worthwhile dynasty prospect. But he'll need to show it more consistently before we can believe in him becoming a significant week-to-week contributor. Ebron's not worth much fantasy football draft investment at 1 of the deepest positions.

Lions beat writer Dave Birkett observed several drops from TE Eric Ebron in OTAs.  It’s a concern after Ebron recorded 4 drops on 29 “catchable” passes last year, per Pro Football Focus.  There’s plenty of time for the 22-year-old to improve, but shaky hands are a reminder that he's unlikely to really bust out in 2015.  He still projects as the #3 target behind Calvin Johnson and Golden Tate.

Lions OC Joe Lombardi expects TE Eric Ebron to emerge as the #3 option in the passing game this season. "It's critical (to find a third weapon)," Lombardi said, "and I think Eric's the guy we're really counting on to do that ... The second year is always where you see the biggest jump."  Ebron mustered just 25 catches for 248 yards and 1 TD as a rookie last year.  His 49 targets ranked 6th on the team behind Calvin Johnson, Golden Tate, Reggie Bush, Joique Bell and Theo Riddick.  Bush's departure alone frees up 56 looks -- a large portion of which could go to Ebron.  While Johnson and Tate's presence will make it tough for Ebron to break into fantasy's elite, he's plenty capable of finishing as a top-12 TE this season.

Tim Twentyman of the Lions' official website wrote Tuesday that TE Eric Ebron "will have a much bigger impact in year two as the Lions continue to evolve the tight end position within Joe Lombardi’s offense." Ebron got overdrafted in fantasy football leagues last year and then disappointed relative to his ADP. But rookie TEs often struggle, and Ebron won't even turn 22 until April. It's also worth remembering that Lombardi just finished his 1st season ever as an NFL OC. Ebron could prove to be a value pick in TE2 territory in 2015 fantasy football drafts.

Lions TE Eric Ebron had a quiet rookie season, especially compared to Giants WR Odell Beckham, who was selected 2 picks after Ebron.  But the Lions remain high on their 1st-rounder.  "He's going to be a good player for us, and I like the job that's he's done for us at this point, in terms of his work ethic, his commitment to learning the offense," GM Martin Mayhew said.  "His athleticism shows up every day in practice, so I think all those things will translate to him being a productive player for us in the future."  Injuries and blocking deficiencies limited Ebron in 2014.  He played just 51% of Detroit's offensive snaps and never topped 4 catches or 38 yards in a game.  His plus athleticism never showed up, but that could be a result of him thinking more than just playing.  TEs rarely fare well in their rookie seasons, making Ebron an intriguing "buy low" in dynasty leagues this offseason.

Lions TE Eric Ebron (hamstring) is active for today’s game against the Cardinals. TE Brandon Pettigrew (foot) is a surprise inactive after being listed as probable.  Ebron and Joseph Fauria will handle TE duties, but neither is a reliable fantasy play.

Lions TE Eric Ebron (hamstring) put in a full week of practice and is probable for Sunday’s game against the Cardinals. The rookie will play for the 1^st time since Week 6. He failed to top 3 catches or 38 yards in any of his first 6 games. He’s just a desperation Week 11 fantasy start.

Lions TEs Eric Ebron (hamstring) and Joseph Fauria (ankle) put in full practices on Wednesday.  Both guys are on track to re-join TE Brandon Pettigrew on the field for this weekend's game against the Cardinals.  None of Detroit's TEs are reliable fantasy options.

Lions TEs Eric Ebron (hamstring) and Joseph Fauria (ankle) are inactive for today’s game against the Dolphins. TE Brandon Pettigrew (foot) is active but would be a desperation fantasy play.