The Lions got some tough injury news Tuesday, but there was a major reason for optimism: Sam LaPorta returned to practice and looked like himself as Detroit enters the final week of camp.
The Detroit Lions received a mix of good and bad news during Tuesday’s practice and Dan Campbell’s post-practice press conference as the team enters the final week of training camp.
The biggest piece of bad news came regarding linebacker Damone Clark. Campbell said Clark is “done indefinitely” with his injury.
Clark had been competing for a backup linebacker role, but injuries have unfortunately been a recurring issue throughout his career. The Lions have now placed him on injured reserve.
Detroit also received an injury update on defensive back Thomas Harper. Campbell said Harper is dealing with an ankle injury and it is unlikely he will practice this week, although he did not rule out the possibility.
Harper is entering his third NFL season after having a solid season last year. With Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch currently sidelined, Harper was expected to have an opportunity to earn significant playing time in Detroit’s secondary.
Speaking of Joseph, Campbell did not have any new updates on the Pro Bowl safety. Joseph is not currently in the building but is expected to return at some point.
Joseph is currently on the physically unable to perform list and must miss at least the first four games of the regular season if he is not activated off of it by the time Detroit cuts down to the 53-man roster.
Campbell also provided some insight into the Lions’ roster battles heading into the final week of camp. He said roster spots along the defensive line, the back end of the offensive line and the wide receiver room remain among the most unsettled positions.
Detroit added another offensive lineman to the competition Tuesday, signing center Gus Hartwig. Hartwig spent five seasons at Purdue before going undrafted and eventually signing with the New York Jets in 2025.
The Lions also brought in a notable veteran for a tryout as they continue to deal with injuries in their running back room. Former Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt was among the players who worked out for Detroit on Tuesday.
However, the best news of the day came from one of Detroit’s most important offensive players.
Sam LaPorta returned to practice fully padded after dealing with a hip injury that had raised questions about his availability for Week 1.
LaPorta didn’t simply participate in individual drills. He was involved in team activities as well.
LaPorta caught a deep out route from Jared Goff during seven-on-seven drills and took several 11-on-11 reps during a physical practice. Most importantly, he looked healthy and moved like the player Lions fans have become accustomed to seeing.
Assuming LaPorta feels good coming out of Wednesdays practice and doesn’t suffer any setbacks, the concerns surrounding his Week 1 availability should be put to rest.
Detroit also welcomed offensive lineman Ben Bartch back to practice after he had been dealing with a concussion.
That is another important development for the Lions as they prepare to finalize their 53-man roster. Bartch is competing for a depth role along the offensive line, while LaPorta remains a key piece of Detroit’s starting offense.
With the regular season quickly approaching, Detroit still has plenty of roster decisions to make. But seeing LaPorta and Bartch return to the field provided some much-needed positive news on an otherwise mixed day for the Lions.
