The Detroit Lions waived tight end Hakeem Valles on Saturday. With the Lions having a plethora of injuries to their defense, they will likely use the spot to add another defender ahead of Week 5 against the Packers. Valles had only two catches on three targets for 11 yards in three games this year. Even with the tight end position being as thin as ever this year, nobody with Detroit is really worth a look in fantasy.
Detroit Lions tight end Hakeem Valles had one reception on four targets for five yards during Thursday night's game against the Cleveland Browns. Valles has been having quite a camp and has made a case to make the team's 53-man roster. He has been given the most opportunities of the Lions tight end group this preseason, and he has followed through. Now it is up to the Lions whether they keep three or four tight ends. If he makes the team, he still doesn't hold any real value at the moment. However, if you're in a very deep league, he could potentially become a waiver option to keep your eye on once a few regular season games have been played. An injury or two and Valles could become a possible option for quarterbackMatthew Stafford.
Detroit Lions tight end Hakeem Valles continued his strong preseason on Friday night, catching three passes for 38 yards. Valles showed his big-play potential, with all three receptions being at least 12 yards long. The third-year tight end has been impressing the coaching staff thus far, having spent time with the first-team offense in practice over the past few weeks. The 25-year-old spent the majority of 2017 on Detroits practice squad, but he is clearly making a name for himself this preseason. With Luke Willson suffering a knee injury, Valles has a serious shot at making the final 53-man roster and even pushing for consistent playing time if he continues to produce.
Detroit Lions tight end Hakeem Valles was listed under "other" section of the team's Week 1 preseason depth chart. He responded to that by leading all Lions tight ends with two catches for 23 yards against the Oakland Raiders. His performance gained him some time with the first-team offense during joint practices with the New York Giants this week, and he did not disappoint, scoring two touchdowns. He has also drawn praise from head coach Matt Patricia for his understanding of the position. The Lions signed Luke Willson and Levine Toilolo this offseason while returning Michael Roberts, who was the team's fourth-round pick in 2017. Valles was considered a long shot to make the roster when camp started, and now he is getting repetitions with the first team. He may not supplant Willson as the starter, but he is clearly leaving a lasting impression. Look for him to have a big role against the Giants on Friday night.