Lions Update: Sam LaPorta questionable, 4 ruled OUT
The Detroit Lions’ injury report for their Wild Card game against the Los Angeles Rams has been issued.
The Detroit Lions have revealed their injury designations for their Wild Card game against the Los Angeles Rams, and the big news is that All-Pro tight end Sam LaPorta appears to be eligible to play.
Ruled OUT
- WR Kalif Raymond (knee)
- TE James Mitchell (hand)
- EDGE James Houston (ankle, IR) — evaluation days remaining: 6
- CB Jerry Jacobs (thigh/knee)
Raymond’s injury appeared to be severe when it occurred, and with no practice time this week, he has been ruled out of this game. Donovan Peoples-Jones appears to be the most likely candidate to fill Raymond’s WR4 and punt returner responsibilities in Raymond’s absence.
Mitchell had a hand injury mid-week, has been unable to practice since, and has been ruled out. Because Sam LaPorta is also hurt and Brock Wright is returning after missing the last three games, the Lions may attempt to elevate or sign practice squad tight end Anthony Firkser as a backup.
Houston had been fully practicing all week and had “looked better,” according to Campbell, but being ruled out for this week’s game means he will almost certainly not be participating over the weekend. Houston still has time on his assessment clock for next week, and if the Lions are still in the playoffs, they must decide on his future by Wednesday.
Jerry Jacobs revealed that he will be placed on injured reserve, and while the Lions have yet to confirm the move, it is expected to take place on Saturday, as is customary. For the time being, he’ll be listed as out on the injury report.
“Jerry had a little injury or whatever,” coach Dan Campbell said at Friday’s press conference. “We won’t make any transactions until tomorrow.”
Questionable
- TE Sam LaPorta (knee)
- DT John Cominsky (illness)
After putting in some extra work after practice on Thursday and feeling “optimistic” about his chances of playing on Sunday, LaPorta returned to practice on Friday, taking a big step toward facing the Rams.
“I’m going to revert back to what I said two days ago,” Campbell stated when asked about LaPorta’s playing status. “So, after today’s practice, we’ll know a lot more.” And so, what will it look like when he wakes up tomorrow? I know he’s getting better every day. So we’ll get him out there, take some practice reps, and see how it goes.”
As a precaution, the Lions have prepared two game plans for the Rams, one if LaPorta can play and another if he is unable to participate, so they can cover all bases.
“Yeah, you build a couple of different packages, one with, and one without and you’re ready for both,” he said. “And we’ve had enough walkthroughs to be able to adapt and adjust.” […] It’s a wise group. It won’t be too difficult, but we’ll be able to adjust.”
Because the Lions have a home game on Sunday, they can examine his status over the next 48 hours and make a final decision before the game.
Cominsky did not play in last week’s game due to a coaching decision to rest him. It’ll be fascinating to see if he can go after being unwell all week. A dubious designation, despite full practice all week, is moderately concerning.
Not listed with an injury designation
- QB Teddy Bridgewater (personal)
- WR Jameson Williams (ankle)
- TE Brock Wright (hip)
- C Frank Ragnow (toe/back/knee/rest)
- LT Taylor Decker (rest)
- RG Graham Glasgow (rest)
- CB Cameron Sutton (toe/heel)
- DB Brian Branch (wrist)
Williams’ return to the lineup this week could be a key component that has gone unnoticed. With Raymond ruled out and his speed a possible factor against the Rams’ outside defenders, Williams is poised to make an impact in the postseason.
Wright has missed the last three games, so there may be some rust to shake off, but with LaPorta and Mitchell out, the Lions will need him to come up to speed soon.
The starting offensive line will be complete and ready to play in the playoffs.
Despite adding additional injuries this week, the fact that Sutton and Branch are not classified as injured is quite reassuring. They will be required.
Rams injury designations
Note: starters are bolded.
Questionable
- TE Tyler Higbee (shoulder) — limited all week
- OL Joe Noteboom (foot)
- RG Kevin Dotson (shoulder) — limited all week
- NT Bobby Brown (illness)
- LB Troy Reeder (knee)
- FS Jordan Fuller (ankle) — did not practice all week
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