As the Detroit Lions get nearer to their big Sunday showdown with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, their injury list appears to only get longer. During Thursday’s practice, rookie tight end Sam LaPorta was not present, dealing another blow to Detroit’s offense. At this point, we do not know the injury LaPorta is dealing with, as he was not listed on the Wednesday report. We’ll know more when the injury report drops on Thursday around 4 p.m. ET.
LaPorta has been one of the Lions’ key offensive players through five weeks. Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson noted that it isn’t just about his record-setting production as a receiver (25 catches, 289 yards, 3 TDs), but he’s been phenomenal as a blocker, as well.