Lions TE Eric Ebron (hamstring) is doubtful for Sunday’s game against the Dolphins. He practiced on a limited basis this week but still isn’t ready for game action. TEs Brandon Pettigrew (foot) and Joseph Fauria (ankle) are both listed as questionable for Week 10, but neither is recommended fantasy play.

The Lions appear to be back to full strength at TE coming out of their bye week.  Eric Ebron (hamstring), Brandon Pettigrew (foot) and Joseph Fauria (ankle) all practiced on Thursday.  Having those guys back is more good news for QB Matt Stafford.  But none of Detroit's TEs are trustworthy Week 10 fantasy plays.

Lions TE Brandon Pettigrew (foot) is doubtful for Sunday's game against the Falcons.  He didn't practice all week.  TEs Eric Ebron (hamstring) and Joseph Fauria (ankle) have already been ruled out.  It leaves Detroit with Kellen Davis and Jordan Thompson at TE. Neither guy is a fantasy option. 

Lions TEs Brandon Pettigrew (foot), Eric Ebron (hamstring) and Joseph Fauria (ankle) are unlikely to play against the Falcons this weekend.  All 3 guys sat out practice on Wednesday and Thursday.  It'll leave Detroit with Kellen Davis and Jordan Thompson at TE.  Neither guy is a fantasy option.  WR Golden Tate is a good bet for double-digit targets on Sunday even if WR Calvin Johnson returns.  If Johnson sits out, WR Corey Fuller will be an intriguing Week 8 flier.

Lions TE Eric Ebron (hamstring) is inactive for today’s game against the Saints. TE Joseph Fauria (ankle) is also out. That should mean a few extra targets for TE Brandon Pettigrew, but he remains a desperation fantasy play.

Lions TE Eric Ebron (hamstring) is doubtful for this weekend’s game against the Saints. He injured the hamstring on Wednesday and was unable to practice on Thursday or Friday. With TE Joseph Fauria (ankle) also out, Brandon Pettigrew is the last man standing in Detroit’s TE group. He’s still just a desperation fantasy play.

Lions TE Eric Ebron (hamstring) was held out of Thursday's practice.  He reportedly injured the hammy on Wednesday.  The rookie now looks extremely iffy to play against the Saints this weekend.  With Joseph Fauria (ankle) also out, Detroit could be down to just Brandon Pettigrew at TE.  Of course, they'll also be without WR Calvin Johnson. WR Golden Tate is a strong bet for 10+ targets this weekend.

Lions insider Michael Rothstein notes that TE Eric Ebron is "making progress."  The rookie struggled with drops and route-running early in camp but has since "been much better," per Rothstein.  Despite the slow start, Ebron is still going to play a significant role in Detroit's passing game this season.  We're sure he'll have a few big games.  But consistency might be tough to find.  Going in the 11th round of drafts, Ebron is a bit too pricey.

Lions HC Jim Caldwell called TE Eric Ebron “day-to-day” with an undisclosed injury. "We’re going to keep him out for a couple days and see what that does,” Caldwell said. Detroit opens the preseason on Saturday against Cleveland, and Ebron is considered questionable for that matchup. Having endured a shaky training camp, Ebron needs all the reps he can handle over the coming weeks.  Don't count on him as a fantasy TE1.

The Lions released their first "unofficial" depth chart Tuesday, which placed rookie TE Eric Ebron 3rd behind TEs Brandon Pettigrew and Joseph Fauria.  We've seen many rookies around the league start lower on the depth chart than many might expect, often as a motivational tool.  But this should serve to remind fantasy owners that Ebron's got some work to do before he'll look like a starting option for your squad, especially when you combine with reports of some dropsies in practice so far.

Lions TE Eric Ebron admits that it's been a challenge to learn the offense.  "I've been everywhere and that is what's killing me," Ebron explained. "I'm used to either learning the Y or learning the A, which we had at North Carolina. But now it's the Y, the F, the Z."  It's no surprise that the rookie is struggling to grasp an NFL playbook.  But consider this a reminder to not overvalue Ebron in 2014 fantasy football drafts.  Yeah, he's an explosive pass-catcher joining an explosive passing game.  But very few rookie TEs post big seasons.  Ebron can't be counted on as a fantasy starter to open the season.  He might emerge as a valuable spot starter later in the year. 

Lions OC Joe Lombardi confirmed that rookie TE Eric Ebron will have a "pretty big role" in the offense.  We wouldn't expect to hear anything else about a player the team just spent the 10th overall pick on.  But what intrigues us is Lombardi's history with Jimmy Graham in New Orleans.  “They are not exactly the same players but they are both very athletic guys,” Lombardi said.  “There are some things that we did with Jimmy in New Orleans that we will be able to do with Eric and maybe some things we can do with Eric that we didn’t do with Jimmy."  The 6'4, 250-pound Ebron is 2 inches shorter and 15 pounds lighter than Graham.  His 4.60-second 40 time and 32-inch vertical both fell short of Graham's marks.  Ebron isn't in Graham's tier, but he's certainly capable of emerging as a dangerous pass-catching weapon for the Lions.  His long-term upside with QB Matt Stafford is huge.  Ebron might struggle for enough targets to be a reliable 2014 weekly starter, but he'll be part of a big group of matchup-based options.

The Lions selected TE Eric Ebron with the 10th overall pick of the draft.  It certainly wasn't a major position of need for Detroit, but Brandon Pettigrew is better suited as a blocker, and Joseph Fauria remains unproven outside the red zone.  The Lions were looking for pass-catching weapons, and Ebron was the best left on the board.  The 6'4, 250-pounder has drawn Vernon Davis comparisons thanks to his speed, athleticism and fluidity.  His long-term upside in pass-happy Detroit is huge.  Targets might be tough to come by in 2014, though.