Detroit Lions Bring Back Veteran TE After Chiefs Stint - Locker Room Leadership Returns
Posted November 12, 2025
The Detroit Lions are bringing back a familiar face to add depth to their tight end room.
The team announced this week that they signed tight end Anthony Firkser to the practice squad, bringing back a player who spent time in Detroit before bouncing around the league last season. He has the potential to add versatility to the offense, having played two positions during his previous stint with the Lions.
Anthony Firkser Has Excelled on the Big Stage
Firkser spent part of the 2023 season with the Lions, playing mostly in a special teams role but occasionally seeing snaps on offense. He didn’t record a catch during the regular season but did have a contribution in the playoffs, making one catch for eight yards in the NFC Championship gae loss to the San Francisco 49ers that season.
As Christian Booher of SI.com noted, Firkser could bring some versatility to Detroit’s practice squad.
“The veteran has experience playing both as a tight end and as a traditional fullback, which could be advantageous for the Lions if they ever need to utilize him as a game day elevation,” Booher wrote.
“The Lions were clearly looking for tight end depth, as the team worked out both Firkser and rookie Thomas Gordon prior to signing Firkser. Gordon was an undrafted free agent in the 2025 Draft and spent training camp with the Chicago Bears.”
Firkser most recently spent time with the Kansas City Chiefs, joining their practice squad last season.
The Lions have valued versatility from their tight ends, especially ones who can line up in the backfield. The team regularly utilizes fullbacks to clear paths for running backs Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery.
Firkser has plenty of NFL experience since coming into the league as an undrafted free agent out of Harvard in 2017. He has 115 career receptions for 1,207 yards and five touchdowns, though hasn’t logged a catch since the 2022 season.
Lions Break Out in Win Over Commanders
The Lions struggled on offense in a Week 9 loss to the rival Minnesota Vikings, stalling out on offense at times. The team bounced back in a big way on Sunday, dismantling the short-handed Washington Commanders 44-22 while logging 546 total yards of offense and 30 first downs.
Lions head coach Dan Campbell took over play-calling duties from offensive coordinator John Morton for the game, telling reporters afterward that he wanted to add a spark.
“I just wanted to change it up a little bit,” Campbell said, via The Athletic. “Let’s just see if maybe a different play caller can maybe get us a little rhythm. That’s all.”
While Campbell downplayed the significance of the change, The Athletic’s Colton Pouncy believes it was telling for Morton’s status in Detroit.
“This isn’t a move Campbell would’ve made unless he thought it was necessary,” Pouncy wrote. “He isn’t known as a meddler. During practice, you can usually find him observing — not hovering over — his coaches and players. He wants them to coach with confidence, the same way he wants his players to play with it. And it’s not like things had reached dire circumstances. The Lions entered Week 10 ranked second in points per game at 29.9.”
Kliff Kingsbury Promises Big Things: ‘I’m Ready to Take on Any Challenge and Prove My Offense Can Excel’
Kliff Kingsbury is no stranger to the spotlight. After several years of coaching in the NFL and making a significant impact with his offensive schemes, Kingsbury is now ready to take on a new challenge. Known for his innovative approach to offense and his success in developing young quarterbacks, Kingsbury is focused on proving that he can lead an offense to greatness, no matter the obstacles.
In a recent interview, Kingsbury shared his confidence and his philosophy on coaching, saying, “I’ve never been afraid to take on a challenge, and this league thrives on change. If you want to be great, you need to make bold moves. Let’s see how far my offense can go when given the right pieces.”
These words reflect not only his approach to coaching but also his unwavering belief in the importance of adaptability and risk-taking in the NFL.
Since his tenure with the Arizona Cardinals, where he spent several seasons working with top talents like Kyler Murray, Kingsbury has earned a reputation as a brilliant offensive mind. His system was built around an up-tempo, pass-heavy approach, designed to capitalize on the talents of mobile quarterbacks and dynamic playmakers. While his time in Arizona had its ups and downs, with the Cardinals unable to reach the heights many expected, Kingsbury’s offensive system was widely regarded as one of the most forward-thinking in the league.
Now, as he continues his role with the Washington Commanders, Kingsbury is setting the bar high for what his offense can achieve. His message is clear: he’s not afraid of the challenge
that lies ahead. Whether it’s overcoming injury issues or fitting together new pieces on offense, Kingsbury is ready to prove that with the right environment, his system can flourish.
The Commanders’ offense has shown flashes of brilliance, but consistency has been an issue. With a young quarterback in Jayden Daniels and key players like Terry McLaurin continuing to battle injuries, Kingsbury has his work cut out for him. But his focus on bold moves and pushing for success is exactly what the Commanders need to take the next step forward.
Kingsbury’s philosophy centers on pushing boundaries and adapting to the ever-changing landscape of the NFL. He believes that to be great, teams must constantly evolve, be willing to take risks, and seize opportunities when they arise. It’s this mentality that makes him a dangerous coach in the right environment.
Looking ahead, it’s clear that Kingsbury is not only looking to prove his offense’s potential but to prove his own ability as a coach who can build something special. With the right pieces in place, his offense has the tools to succeed and the mindset to excel. As Kingsbury himself says,
bold moves lead to greatness, and he’s ready to show the NFL just how far he can take his offensive vision.
