TE Sam LaPorta is not practicing with the Detroit Lions, and for a team that’s been working to get healthy, that’s a gut punch. After spending the entire offseason rehabbing from back surgery, LaPorta was able to start training camp on Day 1. Now, with no word on why he’s out or if it’s connected to that back, Detroit fans have to be holding their breath. It’s the kind of early season news that can swing the mood hard, especially when you’ve got so many guys already sidelined.
The Sidelines Are Getting Crowded
Seriously, the injury report is a novel right now. LaPorta’s absence is a huge question mark, but he’s far from alone. Running back Isiah Pacheco is out with a knee injury, Giovanni Manu is on NFI, Cade Mays has a wrist issue, and Ben Bartch is battling something undisclosed again. Bartch’s struggle to stay on the field is a real concern; he mixed in with the starters for a few snaps recently, but he’s back out. Coach Dan Campbell says he’s a competitor for the starting left guard spot, but Christian Mahogany is gobbling up all the reps while Bartch is away. Then there’s Payton Turner with a back injury, Mekhi Wingo possibly with a concussion, Damone Clark undisclosed, Kerby Joseph on PUP with a knee, and Brian Branch on PUP with an Achilles. This is a lot of talent missing as the team wraps up practices in front of fans.
Help Is On The Way (Finally!)
But hey, it’s not all doom and gloom! There’s some actual good news to talk about. Wide receiver Jameson Williams returned to practice after missing just two days with a minor shoulder injury. Yeah, he was a little limited and they weren’t in full pads, so we’ll have to see him go full tilt, but getting him back on the field is massive. Tom Kennedy and Tay Martin filled in for him, which is fine, but you need your guys. Defensive tackle Myles Adams is also back after missing a couple of practices, though he’s still mostly with the third-team defense. And cornerback Nick Whiteside, who missed two practices with a hamstring, is back, albeit on a clear pitch count, mixing with the ones and twos. D.J. Reed, Rock Ya-Sin, and Ennis Rakestraw were getting first-team work at outside cornerback today. Plus, linebacker Jimmy Rolder, who’s been out since the first week of camp with a hamstring, told the “X’s and Bro’s” podcast he expects to be back in “a week or so.” He’s already doing field work with a trainer for the second time, so that’s progress!
The Lions are still getting healthier by the day, despite the recent LaPorta news. They’ve got a handful more practices before preseason is over, but from now on, it’s just media watching. The big question is whether they can get these key guys fully healthy and integrated before the regular season kicks off. Every rep counts from here on out.
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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