ALLEN PARK -- It seems like all Joseph Fauria does is catch touchdowns, but the Detroit Lions rookie tight end wants you to know he's capable of more.

Fauria will likely have an opportunity to showcase his other skills, particularly his blocking, if injured starter Brandon Pettigrew is unable to play against the New York Giants this Sunday.

Pettigrew suffered an ankle injury in the closing minutes of the team's 18-16 loss to Baltimore on Monday. He hasn't practiced this week and was spotted using crutches to get around the locker room on Wednesday.

"I think I'm prepared," Fauria said. "I was even prepared when I was the second guy. Now that I'm going to be helping out while 'Grew is down, I'm going to pick up the slack and help out my teammates."

If Pettigrew isn't cleared by Sunday, the Lions have a variety of personnel options to fill his spot.

Beyond Fauria, Lions coach Jim Schwartz said the team could increase Dorin Dickerson's playing time, use an extra offensive tackle such as Dylan Gandy, or utilize more four-wide receiver sets.

Fauria's been biding his time. His role didn't expand as much as many expected when the Lions released veteran Tony Scheffler earlier in the season. The rookie has played between 9-20 snaps the past seven games.

"I'm a competitor and I love playing the game of football," Fauria said. "It's tough being on the sideline and knowing that you can help. Now I have the opportunity to be out there and help the team win."

Fauria can't stand being labeled a poor or unwilling blocker. He says the way he's been utilized this season shows the team trusts him in those situations.

According to Pro Football Focus, Fauria has run routes on 52.1 percent of the snaps he's played, meaning he's been asked to run block or pass protect nearly half the time.

Of course, the touchdowns are what has made him a fan favorite.

Fauria is the fourth tight end in franchise history to catch at least seven touchdowns in a season. Jim Gibbons holds the team record for the position, catching eight scores in 1964.

Fauria is also just one touchdown reception short of Lions' rookie record, set by Roy Williams in 2004.

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