Detroit Lions sign TE Scott Orndoff, waive/injured DT Bruce Gaston

In true Bob Quinn fashion, the Detroit Lions continued to shuffle around the bottom of their roster on Monday. The team announced they’ve signed tight end Scott Orndoff to the 90-man roster.

Ornodff was recently released by the Pittsburgh Steelers after going unselected in the 2017 NFL Draft. In college with the University of Pittsburgh, Orndoff hauled in 58 catches for 897 yards and 13 touchdowns in his four-year career. Most of that production came in his senior year when he caught 35 passes for 579 yards and five touchdowns.

At 6-foot-5, 253 pounds, Orndoff may be best utilized as a blocker. Here’s what NFL.com had to say about his skills in that department:

Adjusts blocking assignments quickly when initial block vacates. Has potential to handle himself on an island in pass protection from time to time. Can become a solid blocking "Y" tight end for a run-heavy team.

Orndoff comes to a Lions team desperate for some healthy bodies at tight end. In Saturday’s preseason game, the Lions were down to just four healthy tight ends. Eric Ebron, Tim Wright, Khari Lee and Cole Wick all sat out with various injuries. Detroit did just add Andrew Price last week, but he only played in a single offensive snap against the Jets.

To make room for Orndoff, the Lions waived/injured defensive tackle Bruce Gaston. Gaston was added to the team back in June, but has apparently suffered a serious injury. If he clears waivers, the Lions can put him on their reserve/injured list.