The Lions signed Horton on Tuesday.
The 23-year-old tight end takes the roster spot of Anthony Firkser, who was placed on injured reserve with a leg injury. Horton appeared in two regular-season games with Detroit last season, logging 11 offensive snaps. He should be considered a long shot to make the 53-man roster.
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Zach Horton: Gets waived
Rotowire
Detroit waived Horton on Friday.
Horton was elevated from the Lions' practice squad to suit up for two regular-season games in 2025, but he may now have to look for his next opportunity with a different club. In a corresponding transaction, the Lions signed veteran tight end Anthony Firkser.
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Lions' Zach Horton: Secures new deal with Detroit
Rotowire
The Lions signed Horton to a reserve/future contract Monday.
Horton reverted to the Lions' practice squad Monday after playing three snaps on offense and three snaps with the special-teams unit in Sunday's 19-16 win over the Bears. The tight end appeared in two games this season with Detroit, failing to log any stats in either contest. Horton will now be given a chance to prove himself with the team during their offseason training activities ahead of the 2026 campaign.
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Lions' Zach Horton: Earns second elevation
Rotowire
The Lions elevated Horton from the practice squad to the active roster Saturday.
Horton has spent his entire season on the Lions' practice squad, and Saturday's elevation is his second of the season. He played 14 total snaps in Week 13 -- eight of which came on offense -- but he wasn't targeted.
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Zach Horton: Back to practice squad
Rotowire
Horton reverted to the Lions' practice squad Friday, per the NFL's official transaction log.
Horton made his regular-season NFL debut Thursday against the Packers and played eight offensive snaps and another six on special teams. He didn't log any statistics in the box score.
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Lions' Zach Horton: Elevated as depth option
Rotowire
Horton was elevated from Detroit's practice squad to the active roster Wednesday.
Horton has been on the Lions' practice squad all season, but he'll get his first chance to be active in Week 13. Both Sam LaPorta (back) and Brock Wright (neck) will be sidelined Thursday against the Packers, so Horton provides needed depth to the position group.
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Zach Horton: Doesn't make 53-man roster
Rotowire
The Lions waived Horton on Tuesday.
Horton saw work both as a tight end and as a fullback through 13 games during his senior year at Indiana, snaring 21 passes for 189 yards and four touchdowns. The Lions will enter the 2025 season with Sam LaPorta, Brock Wright and Shane Zylstra at tight end.
