Mitchell reverted to the Lions' practice squad Monday, per the NFL's transaction log. The third-year pro was elevated to Detroit's active roster ahead of the Week 11 win over the Jaguars to ensure depth at tight end with Sam LaPorta (shoulder) ruled out. Mitchell ended up seeing increased time after Shane Zylstra sustained a neck injury in Sunday's win, playing 24 offensive snaps but failing to record a stat. He could be elevated to the Lions' active roster again before the team's Week 12 matchup against the Colts if LaPorta or Zylstra cannot suit up.
Unlock the latest Detroit Lions news — direct to your inbox.
Status
ACTIVELatest James Mitchell news
Team
Detroit Lions
Birthdate
8/11/1999 (25)
Status
Practice Squad
HT/WT
6'4", 252 lbs
Draft Info
2022: Rd 5; Pk (DET)
Birthplace
Big Stone Gap, VA, USA
Position
TE
College
Virginia Tech
Experience
3 seasons
Career History
Detroit Lions
2022-Present
(3 seasons)
-
Lions10-1
vs.
Bears4-7
DraftKings points 1.3FanDuel Points 0.8REC 1.0REC YDS 3.3LNG 3.3TD 0.0CBSS fantasy points 0.3ESPN fantasy points 0.3Yahoo fantasy points 0.8 -
Full season projectionsREC 1.0REC YDS 4.0LNG 15.0
Mitchell reverted to the Lions' practice squad Monday, per the NFL's transaction log. The third-year pro was elevated to Detroit's active roster ahead of the Week 11 win over the Jaguars to ensure depth at tight end with Sam LaPorta (shoulder) ruled out. Mitchell ended up seeing increased time after Shane Zylstra sustained a neck injury in Sunday's win, playing 24 offensive snaps but failing to record a stat. He could be elevated to the Lions' active roster again before the team's Week 12 matchup against the Colts if LaPorta or Zylstra cannot suit up.
The Lions elevated Mitchell from the practice squad Saturday. With Sam LaPorta (shoulder) out, Mitchell will provide depth behind Brock Wright and Shane Zylstra on Sunday against the Jaguars. A fifth-round pick by the Lions in 2022, Mitchell has 13 career catches for 141 yards and one touchdown.
The Lions signed Mitchell to their practice squad Wednesday. The 25-year-old tight end failed to make the Lions' initial 53-man roster Tuesday, but he's now secured a spot on the team's practice squad. Mitchell has appeared in 29 regular-season games for the Lions across the past two seasons, so he could definitely be elevated to the team's active roster at some point this year.
Mitchell was waived by Detroit on Tuesday. Since being selected by Detroit in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL Draft, Mitchell has played in 19 regular-season games, tallying 13 catches for 141 yards and one touchdown. He was healthy during training camp after ending last season on IR due to a hand injury and caught two of three targets for 24 yards during the exhibition slate. Mitchell was in the running for the third tight-end spot to open the campaign, but that role instead went to Parker Hesse.
Mitchell (hand) was seen catching passes last week during the beginning of Detroit's offseason program. Mitchell played 15 games during the 2023 regular season while primarily slotting in as a blocking tight end and contributor on special teams, as he caught just two passes. The 24-year-old then missed the Lions' postseason run with a hand injury. Mitchell's return to action during the offseason program likely means he's moved past the injury or the time being, so he'll likely slot back in behind Sam LaPorta and Brock Wright on the depth chart at tight end to begin the 2024 season.