Dave Birkett

Detroit Free Press

Fauria%2C Ebron and Pettigrew have combined for just 22 catches%2C 220 yards and 1 TD this year

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That's what Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi envisioned having with his tight ends at the start of the year, but for a variety of injury-related reasons, things haven't worked out that way.

Joseph Fauria hurt his ankle in mid-September. Eric Ebron pulled a hamstring in practice in October. And Brandon Pettigrew, the final part of what was supposed to be the Detroit Lions' three-headed monster at the position, hurt his foot in a game a week later.

Pettigrew returned to action last week, albeit on a part-time basis, and he, Fauria and Ebron are all healthy now and looking forward to their on-field reunion Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals (4:25 p.m., Fox).

"I'm kind of giddy," Fauria said. "It's like we talked a big game in the beginning, and our stats or our production might not have shown up on paper as much. But we're a good, solid room, and this is the second half of the season (and it) should be ours for the taking."

In nine games this year, Fauria, Ebron and Pettigrew have combined for just 22 catches, one touchdown and 220 yards.

Pettigrew has been used mostly as a blocker for the second straight year, Ebron hasn't yet developed into the downfield threat many hoped for when the Lions drafted him 10th overall, and Fauria has only appeared in three games.

Fauria said he expected to return last week. He was told Sunday morning that he wouldn't be dressing for the game.

"I think that was more so coaches looking after me," Fauria said. "It wasn't my decision. Of course, my warrior mentality was like, 'Get me out there.' But it was smart, and I'm excited to be out there, hopefully, this weekend."

Ebron declined to talk about his health today, but he joined Fauria and Pettigrew in practice for the second straight day and said that there is a different feel to the offense when all three tight ends are available.

When they were out in late October, the Lions used practice-squad call-up Jordan Thompson and veteran Kellen Davis (Michigan State) as fill-ins.

"It expands things. It makes things happen," Ebron said. "A wheel doesn't turn without every screw, every bolt tied tight to it, so it's just, now we finally get to get the wheel turning, we finally get to open up and show our true identity and the things that we can do and we hope to do."

The same goes for Lombardi, whose hands have been tied as a play caller with Fauria, Ebron and Pettigrew out.

"I think the receiving abilities that Eric and Joe have, getting them back opens up some things in the offense," Lombardi said. "Those guys have looked healthy this week, so more players that can do some things.

"All that being said, we're real proud of what Kellen Davis has done and what Brandon has done, fighting through some nicks. Those guys have played well for us, but Joe obviously has the size that we've been missing, and Eric has some speed. Those things should help us."

Contact Dave Birkett at dbirkett@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @davebirkett.