SPORTS

Lions cut injured tight end Wright

Josh Katzenstein
The Detroit News
Lions tight end Tim Wright had nine receptions for 77 yards and two touchdowns in nine games last season.

Allen Park — The Lions had just two tight ends practicing during Thursday’s open organized team activities, and one of the injured players won’t be returning soon.

The team waived Tim Wright on Thursday with an injury designation, though the Lions have not disclosed the ailment.

In addition to Wright being out Thursday, Eric Ebron (undisclosed), Brandon Pettigrew (ankle) and undrafted rookie Adam Fuehne (undisclosed) all sat the practice, which left Matthew Mulligan and undrafted rookie Cole Wick as the only tight ends.

Wright joined the Lions in 2015 via trade, coming to Detroit in an August deal that sent rookie kicker Kyle Brindza to Tampa Bay. Brindza was the Buccaneers’ starting kicker to open the season, but was cut four games into the year after going 6-for-12 on field goals.

Wright was the No. 3 tight end behind Eric Ebron and Brandon Pettigrew for much of 2015, finishing with nine catches for 77 yards and two touchdowns in nine games. It was by far the worst statistical year of Wright’s three seasons in the NFL after he produced more the Tampa Bay in 2013 and New England in 2014.

With Wright gone, Mulligan becomes the favorite to land the No. 3 tight end job behind Ebron and Pettigrew, but the undrafted rookies now have a better chance to make the team.

jkatzenstein@detroitnews.com

twitter.com/jkatzenstein

Lions' Eric Ebron: It's time to 'be great'