Who Should I Start? Hunter Long or Shane Zylstra

Wednesday, July 10, 9:10 PM

Working in Los Angeles Rams tight end Hunter Long's favor is the fact that Tyler Higbee (knee) probably isn't going to be ready for the start of the 2024 regular season. That lone could land Long a spot on the 53-man roster to open the year if Higbee starts on the Physically Unable to Perform list. However, the Rams added Colby Parkinson in the offseason and love the potential of Davis Allen. If one of Nikola Kalinic or Neal Johnson emerges in training camp and the preseason, Long could be out of a roster spot. The 25-year-old finished last year on Injured Reserve after having surgery on his MCL but he was taking part in organized team activities this offseason and should be ready to go this fall. In just four games played in 2023, Long wasn't targeted at all while playing 54 offensive snaps for the Rams.

Tuesday, March 18, 2:24 PM

Free-agent tight end Shane Zylstra is signing back with the Detroit Lions, according to NFL.com. The 2020 undrafted free agent out of Minnesota State began his NFL career with the Minnesota Vikings before being released ahead of his rookie campaign. He signed on with Detroit ahead of the 2021 season and has been on and off the active roster ever since. Overall, Zylstra has appeared in 29 games for Detroit (three starts) and has collected 15 receptions for 116 yards and four touchdowns. Even if he makes the team's active roster in 2025, he's a longshot to see significant playing time behind Sam LaPorta and Brock Wright.