The Lions can’t seem to catch a break. Sam LaPorta is now dealing with a hip injury, Ennis Rakestraw went down at practice, and Detroit’s injury list continues to grow with Week 1 approaching.
After Detroit Lions practice today, head coach Dan Campbell took the podium as he typically does following practice. Unfortunately, Campbell had some bad news to deliver regarding tight end Sam LaPorta.
Campbell disclosed that LaPorta is dealing with a hip injury, possibly a hip pointer. However, the injury is not related to his spine, which is important considering the back injury ended his 2025 season.
LaPorta is expected to miss the remainder of training camp, and his availability for Week 1 is now in question. The good news is that the injury is not considered long-term and, barring any setbacks, should only keep him out for a game at most.
Campbell also confirmed that Jared Goff will not play in this week’s preseason game against the Washington Commanders. Josh Dobbs will start at quarterback, with Dobbs and Luke Altmyer competing for the backup job behind Goff.
Detroit also received an update on rookie linebacker Jimmy Rolder. Campbell said Rolder is unlikely to begin practicing next week, meaning the team will likely take a gradual approach to ramping him back up.
The Lions suffered another blow along the offensive line, as guard Ben Bartch is now dealing with a concussion and will miss some time. Bartch has already missed a significant portion of training camp, and this latest setback could put his chances of making the 53-man roster in jeopardy.
Detroit brought in two veteran guards for workouts today: Will Hernandez and Laken Tomlinson, who was originally selected by the Lions in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft. Their presence seems to be a direct result of Bartch’s inability to practice and the uncertainty surrounding the depth of the offensive line.
The injuries didn’t stop there.
Cornerback Ennis Rakestraw left practice today to be evaluated after suffering a non-contact lower-leg injury. Rakestraw was also shaken up during Detroit’s first preseason game after going down with what initially appeared to be a shoulder injury. He was ultimately diagnosed with a minor contusion and returned to training camp shortly afterward.
A non-contact lower-leg injury is concerning, especially for a player who has battled numerous injuries throughout his first two seasons. If Rakestraw is forced to miss significant time, it could be a major setback as he looks to establish himself as a consistent contributor in Detroit’s secondary.
With Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch still on the PUP list, the Lions desperately need to avoid any more significant injuries as they approach the start of the regular season.
Detroit has already dealt with plenty of injuries throughout training camp. Now, with Week 1 quickly approaching, the health of players like LaPorta and Rakestraw could become one of the team’s biggest storylines heading into the regular season.
