Orndoff signs with Detroit Lions
Scott Orndoff got a second chance to make an impression on an NFL team.
The Waynesburg native signed with the Detroit Lions Monday, nearly three weeks after being released by the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Orndoff is trying to become the first Greene County native since Joe Tafoni of Carmichaels to earn a spot on an NFL roster. Taffoni played from 1967-1973 with the Cleveland Browns and New York Giants.
The 6-5, 253-pound Orndoff, a graduate of Pitt, is considered a blocking tight end and the Lions are in need of one after a flurry of injuries at that position. Eric Ebron, Tim Wright, Khari Lee and Cole Wick all sat out Saturday’s 16-6 preseason win over the New York Jets with various injuries. Orndoff is the ninth tight end signed by the Lions this season.
The Lions host the New England Patriots Friday. Kickoff is 7 p.m.
At Pitt, Orndoff caught 58 passes for 897 yards and 13 touchdowns. Most of that production came in his senior year when he caught 35 passes for 579 yards and five touchdowns.
The Steelers signed Orndoff after the draft but injuries slowed him. The 23-year-old suffered a hamstring injury running downfield to cover a punt during his first practice. The Steelers placed him on a waived/injured list the following day.
Orndoff played high school football at Seton-La Salle.