The Detroit Lions are dangerously close to not having tight end Sam LaPorta on the field for the Week 11 game against the Philadelphia Eagles.
LaPorta was an unexpected addition to the injury report this week thanks to a back issue. The former second-round pick did not take part in practice on Wednesday or Thursday, which was the first sign of trouble.
Now, it looks like LaPorta won't practice on Friday, either, according to Lions head coach Dan Campbell.
"I'll know a lot more today, that's another one," Campbell said of LaPorta. "I don't see him practicing, either."
This is obviously terrible news for LaPorta's chances of suiting up.
Granted, he is the kind of player who can still play without practicing, but it goes without saying his chances of suiting up are greatly reduced if he doesn't practice.
If LaPorta doesn't play, the Lions will deploy fellow tight end Brock Wright in his place, assuming Wright actually plays, as he's listed on the injury report, also, but saw an uptick in participation on Thursday with a limited session.
For our fantasy football owners out there, Wright is not a suggested lineup option in place of LaPorta, as the Lions simply have too many mouths to feed in the passing attack, something LaPorta himself is often a victim of.
Aside from Wright, the Lions have Ross Dwelley on the 53-man roster and Zach Horton and Anthony Firkser on the practice squad.
One of Firkser or Horton will be elevated for Sunday if LaPorta doesn't suit up.
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