Sam LaPorta is still missing from Lions practice, but three offensive linemen have returned

The Detroit Lions will face the Los Angeles Rams in their first playoff game on Sunday night without their star rookie tight end.

Sam LaPorta missed his second consecutive practice on Thursday, but the Lions remain optimistic that the record-breaking rookie will be able to play against Los Angeles. More information is likely to be released by Friday afternoon.

“He’s improving,” stated head coach Dan Campbell on Wednesday. “He was there during walk-through. And I don’t think we’ll know anything or feel like we have a good picture until Friday afternoon, but we’ll do more with him every day. He’s getting better.”

The good news is that Brock Wright, another tight end, returned to practice this week after missing three games due to a hip issue. If LaPorta is unable to play or is limited against Los Angeles, Detroit will rely largely on Wright and James Mitchell.

“LaPorta has a different skill set than the rest of those guys and, frankly, the rest of the league,” offensive coordinator Ben Johnson said. “He’s fantastic. So, certainly, if he can’t go, those other individuals will have to step up, and maybe we’ll just ask them to do slightly different jobs than Sam. But having Brock back here this week would be fantastic. He has quietly been a significant part in what we do offensively over the last three years.”

Punt returner Kalif Raymond (knee) remained out on Thursday, while left tackle Taylor Decker, center Frank Ragnow, and right guard Graham Glasgow all returned after rest days on Wednesday. All are anticipated to face the Rams.