Tony Scheffler was held without a catch in Week 1 against the Vikings. Scheffler was a complete non-factor and could lose playing time to UDFA Joseph Fauria. He was only targeted once in the passing game.

Lions TE Tony Scheffler caught a nine-yard touchdown in Thursday night's third preseason game against the Patriots. He also had a bad drop to kill a drive. One week after playing only three snaps in Detroit's second preseason game, Scheffler worked as the primary slot receiver with the first-team offense. It's probably not a sign of things to come, as Ryan Broyles would be a better option to play with Calvin Johnson and Nate Burleson. Through three preseason contests, Scheffler has two catches for 16 yards.

According to MLive.com, the Lions insist Tony Scheffler is "still part of the 2013 plans." Coming off a nightmare year, Scheffler has been losing reps to UDFA Joseph Fauria. Per reporter Justin Rogers, that may remain the case in Thursday's all-important third preseason game, but supposedly isn't a sign Scheffler's roster spot is in danger. Cutting Scheffler would save the Lions over $2 million.

Tony Scheffler played just three snaps in the Lions' second preseason game. With slot receiver Ryan Broyles healthy, slot tight end Scheffler's role is being reduced. Coach Jim Schwartz insisted the minimal playing time is not an indication the Lions are displeased with Scheffler, but it is a reminder he lacks fantasy value. Scheffler is coming off a brutally inefficient 2012 season.

Lions coach Jim Schwartz gave Tony Scheffler a vote of confidence as the team opened training camp. "Tony's an important part of our offense," Schwartz said. "He's a matchup problem for defenses as a tight end. And he's a playmaker." Scheffler is coming off a rough season, where he dropped six passes and managed a pathetic 50.6 catch percentage -- the NFL's second worst mark among tight ends with at least 15 targets. (Only ex-Bears TE Kellen Davis had a lower rate.) The Lions still paid Scheffler a $500,000 March bonus, and he's due $1.95 million in salary.

DetroitLions.com considers Brandon Pettigrew the "only true all-around player" in the Lions' tight end corps. The takeaway being that Tony Scheffler is not an "all-around player." Neither player was effective in 2012, but only Scheffler was considered a candidate for release. Going into the final year of his contract, it's still possible he and his $1.95 million salary could be cut loose or traded in camp, but it's unlikely at this point. Scheffler proved unequivocally last season that he can't even be counted on as a fill-in in fantasy leagues.

The Lions could save $2.45 million against the salary cap by releasing Tony Scheffler. The cap-strapped Lions have plenty of options when trying to knock their 2013 cap figures down, but MLive.com mentions Scheffler and backup quarterback Shaun Hill as candidates to be cut. Hill's release would save the team $2.75 million. Scheffler underwhelmed late in the season when asked to step in for injured Brandon Pettigrew.

Tony Scheffler caught five passes for 53 yards in Detroit's Week 17 loss to the Bears. Pressed into far too big of a role down the stretch thanks to the Lions' injury woes, Scheffler will finish with 42 catches for 504 yards. The yards are Scheffler's most since 2008 in Denver, but mostly a product of simply being available. Signed for $1.95 million next season, Scheffler should be back in Detroit, but will be miles from TE1 relevance.

Tony Scheffler caught just four passes for 41 yards in Detriot's Week 16 loss to the Falcons. It was another underwhelming effort from Scheffler. He wasn't a factor on offense outside of an 18-yard catch and saw less targets than Will Heller and Joique Bell. Scheffler won't have any fantasy value if Brandon Pettigrew (ankle) returns for next week's game against the Bears. He has just 37 catches on the season.

Tony Scheffler caught three passes for 20 yards and a touchdown in Detroit's Week 14 loss to the Packers. Pressed into a major role with Detroit paper thin at receiver and Brandon Pettigrew missing a large majority of the evening with an ankle injury, Scheffler was ineffective, catching just 3-of-9 targets. Despite his 6-5 frame, Scheffler didn't come down with a number of jump-balls, and simply didn't make plays for a Lions offense that badly needed him to. Although Scheffler could be peppered with targets again in Week 15 if Pettigrew ends up sitting out, he'd be nothing more than a low-risk, low-reward TE1.