Lions’ Practice Squad Move Hints LaPorta Won’t Be Ready for Eagles Clash
Coming off their Week 10 victory against the Washington Commanders, the Lions made quick work to add to their practice squad.
The Lions worked out tight ends Anthony Firkser and Thomas Gordon Tuesday morning, opting to sign the more established Firsker. Gordon is a 2025 UDFA who spent the spring with the San Antonio Brahmas of the UFL en route to a contract with the Chicago Bears during training camp, before being released.
Detroit is still seeking stability on its injury report, with Terrion Arnold and Kerby Joseph the most notable injuries the team is monitoring headed into Week 11 against the Philadelphia Eagles. It could be a good sign for Arnold's availability, at the very least, that the team decided to opt for depth at tight end rather than at cornerback for their upcoming game.
Lions sign TE help amidst Brock Wright's run-blocking woes
Firkser was a UDFA in 2017 out of Harvard, bouncing around with the Kansas City Chiefs and New York Jets. He'd find stability in Tennessee with the Titans from 2018 to 2021. Firsker has spent the last four seasons going between five NFL teams, including the Lions in 2023.
Firsker has totaled 115 receptions for 1,207 yards and five touchdowns in his NFL career.
With the addition of Firsker, the Lions have released offensive lineman Jack Conley from their practice squad.
Conley signed with the Lions last week amid injuries on the offensive line, including Christian Mahogany being placed on injured reserve. The Lions now have Devin Cochran, Netane Muti, Kingsley Eguakun, Chris Hubbard, Michael Niese, and Mason Miller as reserve offensive linemen on the practice squad.
Currently, the Lions are healthy at tight end with Sam LaPorta, Brock Wright, and Ross Dwelley all healthy. The addition of Firsker may be to add some competition as a blocking option, with LaPorta's backup, Wright, having issues as a run blocker. Wright has graded out as a 50.6 per PFF as a run blocker, which is below league average.
Additionally, LaPorta cropped up on the Lions' injury report on Thursday, with the tight end listed as having a back injury. This would make Firsker's signing make even more sense.
With Firsker having plenty of experience, he'll likely be elevated if he spends an extended amount of time on the Lions roster. Firsker has appeared in 78 regular-season games, including seeing significant time on both offense and special teams.
Terry Bradshaw Announces Retirement After Embarrassing On-Air Blunder During Rams vs. 49ers Broadcast
Los Angeles, CA – November 11, 2025
In a stunning announcement that marks the end of an era, NFL legend and longtime FOX analyst
from broadcasting — just days after a humiliating on-air mistake during the Rams vs. 49ers game sparked widespread criticism from fans.
The 77-year-old Hall of Famer mistakenly criticized kicker
live on air, unaware that the Rams had already replaced him with newly signed Harrison Mevis, known to fans as “The Thiccer Kicker.” The gaffe quickly went viral, with viewers flooding social media demanding that Bradshaw step away from television after decades on screen.
“If I’m worried about anything with the Rams, it’s Joshua Karty,” Bradshaw said during the broadcast. “He’s not the guy I want kicking a game-winner for me. He’s missed too many.”
Moments later, fans realized Karty wasn’t even playing — a mistake that instantly drew national attention.
In a heartfelt statement released Tuesday morning, Bradshaw said the decision to retire was his own:
“I’ve given my life to this game — as a player and as a broadcaster. But it’s time to let the next generation take over. I’ll always love football, but I’m ready for peace.”
Bradshaw’s retirement ends a legendary post-playing career that began in 1984 with CBS Sports, before joining Fox NFL Sunday in 1994, where he became one of the most recognizable voices in football television.
During his 30-year run with FOX, Bradshaw built a reputation for his humor, energy, and deep love for the game — even as age occasionally led to on-air slip-ups. Still, his presence was a comforting constant for millions of fans every Sunday.
As tributes pour in across the sports world, FOX Sports confirmed that it will honor Bradshaw with a special farewell segment ahead of Week 11’s broadcasts, celebrating his decades-long impact on football culture.
For the man who once led the Pittsburgh Steelers to four Super Bowl titles, it’s a bittersweet goodbye — but one that closes the curtain on one of the most iconic careers in both football and television history.
