To replace the injured Shane Zylstra, the Detroit Lions have signed tight ends back Daniel Helm and Darrell Daniels. Derrick Deese was also let go on Wednesday.
Helm will replace Zylstra, who reportedly suffered a severe knee injury Monday after being tackled low by cornerback Khalil Dorsey.
Zylstra was waived with an injury designation on Tuesday. He will return to injured reserve after clearing waivers.
Helm, an undrafted free agent in 2019, has played for six NFL teams and most recently for the Memphis Showboats of the USFL.
He caught 20 passes for 205 yards with the Showboats. He started all ten games for the team, which finished 5-5.
Daniel Helm
Darrell Daniels
He’s the latest Lions player to sign after spending the spring in another league. Parker Romo, a kicker, was a standout in the XFL, and Trey Quinn, a wide receiver, was the second-leading receiver for the USFL’s Michigan Panthers.
The Lions signed return man Maurice Alexander from the USFL’s Philadelphia Stars last season.
He has only caught one pass in four NFL seasons. The Las Vegas Raiders did so in 2021. He began his career as an undrafted free agent with the Los Angeles Chargers and has also played for the 49ers, Chiefs, Buccaneers, Raiders, and Falcons.
The 28-year-old attended Tennessee for one season before transferring to Duke. He caught 75 passes for 804 yards during his five-year career.
Daniels has played for five NFL teams as well as the XFL’s San Antonio Brahmas.
The nature of Zylstra’s injury is unknown, but it is expected to keep him out for six months.
Zylstra was regarded as a strong contender for a roster spot prior to the setback because of his athleticism and potential special teams ability.
The Lions also have rookie Sam LaPorta, veteran Brock Wright, and second-year prospect James Mitchell at the position.
