We are officially at the point where it's time to worry about Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta playing in Week 11.
LaPorta popped up on the injury report on Wednesday with a back issue and did not take part in practice.
Then, on Thursday, LaPorta was once again a non-participant, which puts him in real danger of not playing on Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles.
We weren't ready to hit the panic button on Wednesday because one missed practice isn't a big deal, especially for a top-tier talent and veteran like LaPorta.
However, we're now venturing into troubling waters after a second straight "DNP" on Thursday.
LaPorta isn't the only injury at tight end the Lions are dealing with, as his backup, Brock Wright, is dealing with a back issue. However, Wright was upgraded to a limited session on Thursday.
Another troubling sign for LaPorta's status is the fact that the Lions added another tight end to its practice squad in Anthony Firkser, which could mean Detroit is expecting LaPorta to sit out.
Along with Firkser and Wright, the Lions have Zach Horton on the practice squad and Ross Dwelley on the 53-man roster.
Wright is the next man up on the depth chart if LaPorta doesn't play, and one of Firkser or Horton would be in line for an elevation in that scenario.
If Wright and LaPorta sit, the Lions could call up both Firkser and Horton to fill in behind Dwelley.
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