With Joseph Fauria (ankle) out and Eric Ebron (hamstring) doubtful for Sunday, Brandon Pettigrew will likely be the only healthy tight end on the roster for the Lions in Week 7 at home against the Saints. He's expected to have an expanded role in the passing game, according to MLive.com.
"He's more than capable (of catching passes)," head coach Jim Caldwell said."And if that does indeed happen, I think he'd relish the opportunity to fill in in that area. He's big and he's got some speed, and he's a hard worker who has been performing extremely well for us."
Pettigrew has been more of a blocking tight end as of late with Fauria and Ebron on the roster. He has only five catches for 40 yards on the season.