Sam LaPorta is “optimistic” following his on-field work in the Lions Wild Card injury report.
In order to get ready for their 2023–24 Wild Card round matchup with the Los Angeles Rams, the Detroit Lions returned to the practice field on Thursday. Several players, including senior offensive lineman Frank Ragnow, Taylor Decker, and Graham Glasgow, were able to return to practice for the Lions today. Sam LaPorta, a rookie tight end, worked with quarterback Jared Goff after practice.
NOTE: Bold text indicates changes from last week’s injury report.
No practice
- QB Teddy Bridgewater (personal)
- WR Kalif Raymond (knee)
- TE Sam LaPorta (knee)
- CB Jerry Jacobs (thigh/knee) — downgraded
Though LaPorta did not officially participate in Thursday’s practice, he did disclose to the media that he completed some work following the session.
“It feels good, little by little, and we’ll see where it goes tomorrow,” LaPorta said after working out a few times today. Basically, we’re just going day by day. I think I’ve started to recover swiftly, even though it didn’t feel well at first. See you later.
“Yeah, I’m optimistic,” the speaker said shortly after.
Here is what he stated when questioned to elaborate on the job he did:
“The blocking repetitions that we perform in our individual drill are exactly what I was taking.” I received representations of those. LaPorta stated, “I ran a few routes with Jared (Goff).”
It says “personal” when Bridgewater is absent. As of right now, no more information is known.
As anticipated, Raymond keeps missing practice. The Lions have been thinking about other punt returner alternatives for Sunday, and it looks unlikely that he will be ready to play.
“Our goal is to select the most capable player for our football team who can handle multiple roles,” special teams coordinator Dave Fipp said to the press. Would someone such as Amon-Ra St. Brown be able to do that? It’s feasible. Our go-to backup back the entire season has been him. Since Donovan Peoples-Jones was the one who carried it out in Cleveland, it is obviously a possibility. If we can get (Maurice) Mo Alexander up, he’s a terrific alternative as well. He’s now on the practice squad. His playing is excellent. It will thus be one of those, whatsoever.
A knee issue was added to Jacobs’ list of injuries today, and on Wednesday, the thigh problem that was limiting him was noted. He tweeted a thank-you note to Detroit on social media, which is a little mysterious given that roster places are limited, even though his absence from practice the next day was not strange.
Although a transfer to injured reserve might terminate Jacobs’ season, it’s crucial to remember that he is still a member of the team and that there are currently no clear signs that he will be discharged. If anything develops with this, we’ll be monitoring it.
Restricted use of
TE James Mitchell (hand) — NEW INJURY
We’ll have to wait and see if the second-year tight end is in danger of missing Sunday’s game or if this is a very minor injury. Mitchell’s injury comes at an awkward time, given that Brock Wright is returning from an injury this week and LaPorta’s future is uncertain.
Full practice
- C Frank Ragnow (toe/back/knee/rest)
- LT Taylor Decker (rest)
- RG Graham Glasgow (rest)
- WR Jameson Williams (ankle)
- TE Brock Wright (hip)
- DT John Cominsky (illness)
- EDGE James Houston (ankle, IR) — evaluation days remaining: 7
- CB Cameron Sutton (toe/heel)
- DB Brian Branch (wrist)
Ragnow, Decker, and Glasgow all returned to practice on Thursday following their day off on Wednesday. Ragnow continues to manage a number of ailments, but he plays through them every week.
Despite missing the game the previous week, Williams and Wright are still on the upswing. If LaPorta is unable to participate this week, Wright may be a key player. Despite his ongoing sickness, Cominsky’s return to practice seems encouraging.
Houston’s road back to the starting lineup seems long, but the fact that he is participating in full practices suggests that his activation from injured reserve is almost imminent. It will be up to him to perform well in practice to determine if he makes the postseason team.
“Go out and practice and see how effective you can be,” defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn said of what Houston needs to do to get back on the field. “If you perform well, we’ll insert you and allow you to play.”
Sutton and Branch are anticipated to be available for the weekend after having packed schedules for the whole week. They must have all of their starting secondary players ready to go because of the Rams’ potent attack.
Rams injury report