Brock Wright

With Sam LaPorta expected back by training camp 2026 and Shane Zylstra also on the roster, Wright remains the clear TE3 with minimal path to fantasy-relevant volume even if healthy.

Wright suffered a trachea injury during the Week 12 game vs. the Giants (Nov. 23, 2025) and was placed on IR on Dec. 4. Trachea injuries are rare and carry uncertain long-term durability implications heading into his contract year.

At 27.2 years old, Wright is entering the decline phase for tight ends without having established a consistent fantasy-relevant workload. Limited window to capitalize on remaining productive years.

At 27.2 years old, Wright has already entered the decline phase for tight ends without ever establishing consistent fantasy relevance, making future opportunity windows extremely narrow.

Wright posted just 14 receptions for 108 yards and 2 TDs in 11 games (8 starts) during the 2025 season, demonstrating he lacks the receiving profile to become fantasy-relevant even with opportunity.

Wright is in the final year of his contract ($4.8M cap hit, $2.1M guaranteed) with free agency looming after 2026. His lame-duck status limits organizational investment in his development, and a healthy Conklin compresses his path to meaningful snaps.

LaPorta's herniated disc surgery creates uncertainty about his 2026 availability and long-term health, potentially opening the door for Wright if setbacks occur during training camp or the season.

LaPorta has now suffered season-ending injuries in back-to-back years (herniated disc W10 2025, prior issues before that). If his back condition recurs, Wright — already familiar with starter duties — showed 19% target share and 83% snaps in W11 as the beneficiary.

Incoming OC Drew Petzing ran multi-TE packages extensively in Arizona, and Detroit acquiring both Wright and Conklin signals intent to deploy two-TE sets regularly. This elevates Wright's snap floor even as a true TE2 behind a healthy LaPorta.

The Week 11-12 game log confirms Wright can produce at a starter level in Detroit's offense — 88% snaps and 11% target share with Goff's efficient scheme. The usage floor as a starter is real, even if it requires multiple injuries to reach.

Wright's profile as a reliable blocker and locker room presence may earn him increased snap counts in certain game situations or red zone packages, providing occasional touchdown upside.

Detroit's offensive environment with Goff, Gibbs, ARSB, and Jameson Williams is among the NFL's best. Any TE who earns meaningful snaps here operates with a quality QB and favorable defensive attention drawn elsewhere.