Detroit Lions tight end Eric Ebron is expected to play on Sunday vs. the Minnesota Vikings, according to Tim Twentyman of detroitlions.com.

Ebron has been sidelined with a knee injury that forced him to exit during Week 4's loss to the Seattle Seahawks. Tim Wright has filled in for Ebron, but with Brandon Pettigrew also ailing, the Lions would love to have their former first-round pick back in the huddle. In four games, Ebron has 15 catches for 179 yards and two touchdowns.

Fantasy impact: Ebron hasn't yet proven himself to be anything more than a third or fourth option in the passing game with Calvin Johnson, Golden Tate and Theo Riddick also soaking up targets, but tight end is a shallow enough position to warrant starting consideration for Ebron. He will face a Vikings defense that he caught five passes for 43 yards against in Week 2, although they have done well for most of the season at holding tight ends in check.

For fantasy owners who have Tyler Eifert or Martellus Bennett on byes, Ebron would make a fine spot start. He remains a borderline TE1/TE2 with decent upside as long as he takes the field.