Tuesday was one of the shortest practices in the Dan Campbell era, with the Detroit Lions wrapping up work in about an hour. Coach Campbell kept things brief because the team had gone fully padded four times last week and again on Monday. The main goal for the day was to get some reps for the starters, who aren’t expected to play in Thursday’s preseason opener against the Bengals. But even with the short session, there’s a ton to unpack from what went down.
LaPorta’s Rust Is Officially Gone
Talk about a comeback! Sam LaPorta’s training camp has been a bit slow off the blocks, partly by design as he eased back in after back surgery. He just hadn’t shown that game-changing, play-making spark we’ve come to rely on over the last three years. But Tuesday? That was different. LaPorta looked like his old self, especially in the very first team drill of the day. He snagged back-to-back catches right up the seam. The first was a wild 25-30 yard twisting, acrobatic back-shoulder grab that had everyone buzzing. Then, like it was nothing, he scampered in for a 10-yard touchdown. He’s stacked a few good days now, and it’s crystal clear: the rust is completely off. This dude is ready.
Rakestraw’s Rollercoaster Continues
On the flip side, Ennis Rakestraw is still riding the “ups and downs” wave, a phrase Coach Campbell himself used on Monday. He’s been sliding down the depth chart, mostly working with the second team while Nick Whiteside gets more first-team looks. But Tuesday did show some flashes of progress. In his one-on-ones against Jameson Williams, Rakestraw actually won two out of three reps. Early in camp, Jamo had pretty much owned him, but this time, Rakestraw stuck with Williams’ dancing at the line for one win, and then completely blanketed him on a red zone snap for another. Unfortunately, not all was perfect. Williams got a free release on an in-breaker, forcing Rakestraw to grab his jersey, drawing a flag and giving up the pass. Then, in team drills, he bit on a double move from Malik Cunningham, giving up a 30-yard touchdown, though he wasn’t far back in coverage. He did get some looks with the first team during the final drill alongside Rock Ya-Sin and rookie Keith Abney in the nickel, so there’s still something there.
This week is all about sharpening up before they hit the field for real. The Lions face the Bengals on Thursday for their preseason opener. It’s the first chance to see if these early camp trends, especially LaPorta’s return to form, translate when the lights come on.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pride of Detroit.
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