Shaun

Chapas

Chapas should take TE John Phillips’ place as the lead-blocker until Tony Fiammetta returns from a mysterious illness. The Cowboys have averaged 85.6 rushing yards a game and 3.2 per carry the past two weeks with Fiammetta out compared to 145.8 yards 5.6 yards per carry with him in the lineup.

Chapas enjoyed a strong training camp as a special teamer and Lawrence Vickers’ backup, so his release is a bit of a surprise. He spent the majority of last season on the practice before a late November call-up.

WR Lance Long was waived in a corresponding roster move. MLive.com believes Chapas’ promotion is likely confirmation that Brandon Pettigrew (ankle, doubtful) won’t suit up for Week 15.

Durham was set to be an exclusive rights free agent, but the Lions are bringing all of their RFAs and ERFAs back for another year. Durham was signed off the practice squad in early December and was forced to start three games. He caught eight passes for 125 yards and a touchdown, but the bad outweighed the good. TE/FB Shaun Chapas and S Ricardo Silva were also re-signed.

They also announced the re-signing of WR Kris Durham, who was tendered in early March. Bell is the only guarantee to make the roster after turning 134 touches into 899 yards from scrimmage last season, but his role will be dramatically reduced with the signing of Reggie Bush. Bell will only be a factor in fantasy leagues if Bush goes down with injury.

Chapas is a special teams asset and can do some lead blocking in a pinch. He’d back up Kyle Juszczyk if he sticks.

A bruiser at 6-foot-2, 247 pounds, Chapas is nevertheless considered unlikely to develop into a lead NFL blocker. However, he is praised for his motor and work ethic, and should put himself in good position to earn a spot on the Cowboys’ special teams unit this summer.

Matthew Stafford’s former roommate at Georgia, Chapas started nine of the 11 games and had 44 rushing yards and two touchdowns as a senior. He’ll compete with Chris Gronkowski for the fullback job while pitching in on special teams.