Detroit Lions helmet shown on field.INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 12: A detailed view of a Detroit Lions helmet on the field before the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium on November 12, 2023 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
The Detroit Lions’ new high-profile pickup will not suit up in Sunday’s NFC Championship Game against the San Francisco 49ers.

Per ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Pro Bowl tight end Zach Ertz was not promoted from the practice squad ahead of Sunday’s game. The former Philadelphia Eagles and Arizona Cardinals star signed with the Lions earlier this week.

 

Per ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Lions instead elevated fullback Jason Cabinda and offensive lineman Michael Schofield to the 53-man roster for Sunday.

The three-time Pro Bowler was waived by the Cardinals back in November, with the team well out of playoff contention. Ertz, who won a Super Bowl 52 ring with the Eagles six years ago, had 27 receptions for 187 yards and one touchdown in seven games.

Detroit’s Wild Card Round victory over the Los Angeles Rams marked the franchise’s first playoff win since 1991 (the last year they went to the NFC title game, too). With a win on Sunday, the Lions will have punched the franchise’s first-ever ticket to the Super Bowl