Detroit Lions: Eric Ebron’s limited practice is a big step forward

After a lengthy absence, Detroit Lions tight end Eric Ebron is on the field once again, and the team expects big things from the 24-year old in 2017.

Detroit Lions fans can breathe a little easier. After missing nine consecutive training camp sessions with a pulled hamstring, Eric Ebron participated in practice for the first time on Friday.

According to Dave Birkett of The Detroit Free Press, it was a brief and limited appearance, but nevertheless, the fourth-year tight end appears to be making progress. In fact, head coach Jim Caldwell said he expects Ebron to be fully back in the mix “next week”:

It’s a positive development for a team that has suffered no shortage of injuries over the course of a highly eventful offseason, and a step in the right direction for the offense as a whole. Ebron is coming off a season that saw him secure a more prominent the in the passing game, snaring 61 receptions for 711 yards and a touchdown in the process.

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Although he struggled with the occasional drop and missed three games due to injury, he showed significant upside as a pass-catcher, and the Lions hope to see him realize that potential in 2017. Caldwell in particular is counting on Ebron taking the next step forward, stating:

"I think when you look at a guy who’s caught, what did he catch, around 60 balls last year? Every year he’s almost doubled his output. We don’t anticipate he’s going to double his output this year. There’s not going to be 120 balls that go to him in that respect. But nevertheless I think he’s going to be able to do a little bit more damage."

Even with Golden Tate and Marvin Jones locked in as Matthew Stafford‘s top targets, Ebron’s target share should be significant. Indeed, with 2016 touchdown leader Anquan Boldin now a member of the Buffalo Bills, there will be an increased number of targets available in this offense.

Ebron figures to be a primary beneficiary of the situation, particularly in the red zone. There is no doubt that the team would like to see a substantial improvement on the single touchdown he scored last season, and a considerable uptick is likely.

While having him on the field for a limited practice may seem like a relatively minor step forward, it’s a very big deal for a team that has had so many injuries over the last few months. A healthy Ebron adds a new dimension to a passing attack that may once again be relied on to carry the offense.

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Staying on the field has always been one of his greatest challenges as a pro, but if he can do it in 2017, the talented youngster could be in for a breakout season. This is just step one.