Player News

• Panthers' James Mitchell: Headed to Carolina

  01/22/2025 • By RotoWire

  The Panthers signed Mitchell to a reserve/future contract Tuesday, Darin Gantt of the team's official site reports. Mitchell spent the entire 2024 regular season on the Lions' practice squad after failing to make the 53-man roster at the end of training camp. He was elevated for Week 11 against the Jaguars and played 24 offensive snaps but did not show up in the box score otherwise. Mitchell will be a part of the Panthers' 90-man roster when the new league year starts March 12 and will participate in OTAs, minicamp and training camp ahead of the 2025 campaign.

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• James Mitchell: Reverts Monday

  11/18/2024 • By RotoWire

  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.

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• Lions' James Mitchell: Participates in offseason program

  05/16/2024 • By RotoWire

  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.

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• Lions' James Mitchell: Goes on IR

  01/13/2024 • By RotoWire

  Mitchell (hand) was placed on injured reserve Saturday. Mitchell had already been ruled out for Sunday's wild-card game against the Rams due to a hand injury, but it now seems as if this issue will hold him out for the remainder of the year. In a corresponding move, Detroit signed Anthony Firkser to its active roster to ensure some extra depth at tight end going forward.

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• Lions' James Mitchell: Won't play against Rams

  01/12/2024 • By RotoWire

  Mitchell (hand) has been ruled out for Sunday's wild-card round game against the Rams, Eric Woodyard of ESPN.com reports. Mitchell's practice participation trended in the wrong direction throughout the week, and he won't play Sunday after failing to practice in any capacity Friday. Starting tight end Sam LaPorta (knee) practiced without limitations Friday, so there's optimism over LaPorta's availability despite his questionable tag, and Brock Wright will be available for the first time since Week 15 after having recovered from a hip injury.

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