As the Detroit Lions returned to the practice field for the first time in nearly a week, there were a lot of new developments when it comes to the team’s injury situation. Let’s get into it.
Returned to practice:
- TE Sam LaPorta (hip)
- G Ben Bartch (concussion)
The headline is Sam LaPorta returning to practice after suffering a knee injury last week. Last we heard from Dan Campbell, LaPorta’s injury could have leaked into the regular seasons, but the Lions tight end not only returned but got plenty of team reps during Tuesday’s practice. Lions fans can take a deep breath.
Bartch also returned from concussion protocol and served as the team’s second-string left guard all practice. As someone on the roster bubble, his return is huge for his chances to make the 53.
Injured during practice/left early
- LB Trevor Nowaske
- DB Nick Whiteside
- S Dan Jackson
Note: The team did not provide any official updates on these players after praactice
Nowaske left practice very early before any team drills started, as trainers were looking at his lower body. Eventually he walked off with a limp under his own power.
Jackson also left practice early. I did not see if anything happened to him, but it’s worth noting he left Saturday’s preseason game early, so this may have been a planned limited practice for him.
As for Whiteside, he played for most of practice, but during the final few drills he was walking around with a trainer. It’s unclear what he was dealing with, but he, too, eventually walked to the locker room under his own power.
Working with trainer
- LB Jimmy Rolder (leg)
The Lions rookie linebacker continues to get daily work with a trainer, and even spent the last segment of practice standing on the sidelines with his teammates. Campbell did say last week that he doesn’t believe Rolder will return to practice before the end of training camp, but it’s clear he’s getting close.
Not practicing:
- RB Isiah Pacheco (knee)
- RB Jabari Small (concussion)
- OT Giovanni Manu (NFI)
- C Cade Mays (wrist)
- G Michael Niese (leg)
- OL Miles Frazier (undisclosed)
- EDGE Payton Turner (back)
- LB Damone Clark (undisclosed)
- S Thomas Harper (ankle)
- S Christian Izien (undisclosed)
- S Kerby Joseph (PUP, knee)
- S Brian Branch (PUP, Achilles)
Let’s start at the bottom, because the Lions are severely shorthanded at safety right now. Joseph and Branch remain on the PUP list, and Campbell said Joseph is still away from the team (dealing with a personal issue), but is expected back soon.
Unfortunately, much of Detroit’s safety depth is currently depleted. Harper has missed a few practices, and Campbell revealed on Tuesday that he’s dealing with an ankle injury that will likely keep him out for the rest of the week.
“Could he be ready this weekend? I think it’s unlikely, but you never know,” Campbell said.
Christian Izien, who has mostly been playing nickel as of late, was also out from practice, although it’s unclear if he’s dealing with an injury. Izien played five defensive snaps and seven special teams reps in the preseason game on Saturday.
Add Dan Jackson to the injury list, and the Lions were essentially down five safeties. And the one person they had borrowed from another position—Whiteside, who logged a few safety reps in the preseason—also left practice early. Don’t be surprised if the Lions opt to add some late reinforcements for Saturday’s preseason finale.
Elsewhere, Niese missed practice after leaving Saturday’s game in crutches. Detroit signed center Gus Hartwig to help their depth there. Miles Frazier was gone with an unexplained absence, leaving Mason Miller and Ben Bartch to play as the second-team guards.
