Lions injury report: Sam LaPorta sits, 3 players return

The Detroit Lions and Miami Dolphins held their second and final joint practices of the week on Thursday, in preparation for this Saturday’s preseason game. This was Day 14 of Lions training camp, and we have all the latest updates on the players’ injuries and their current statuses.

Still on injury lists:

• G Miles Frazier (PUP)
• DT Alim McNeill (PUP)
• DL Mekhi Wingo (PUP)
• EDGE Josh Paschal (NFI)
• LB Malcolm Rodriguez (PUP)
• CB Khalil Dorsey (PUP)

With a handful of players on this list anticipating September returns, we could start to see some of them begin practicing next week. With cutdowns less than two weeks away, the Lions will surely have their training staff pushing to see which players are far enough along in their rehabilitation to be ready for the regular season.

Not practicing on Thursday:

• WR Tim Patrick (undisclosed)
• WR Malik Taylor (undisclosed) — New addition
• TE Sam LaPorta (undisclosed) — New addition
• OT Giovanni Manu (undisclosed) — New addition
• OL Trystan Colon (elbow)
• OL Keaton Sutherland (knee) — placed on IR
• CB Dicaprio Bootle (lower leg) — placed on IR
• SAF Kerby Joseph (undisclosed)
• SAF Morice Norris (concussion)

The Lions continue to churn their way through day-to-day short-term injuries. While they were able to return three more players to practice (more on that in a bit), they also sat out a few more players dealing with injuries, none more significant than All-Pro tight end Sam LaPorta.

“LaPorta will be down, nothing major, but he will miss a little bit of time here. We’re pretty good, though,” Lions coach Dan Campbell said at his morning press conference.

Don’t expect the Lions to rush LaPorta’s return to play, as he will be a critical part of their offensive game plan in the regular season.

In addition to LaPorta, the Lions also did not play Manu or Taylor, as they’re dealing with undisclosed injuries. Additionally, the Lions also placed Sutherland and Bootle on injured reserve, as their injuries were significant enough for them to miss considerable time.

Patrick, Colon, Joseph, and Norris all sat out a second practice on Thursday. Patrick and Joseph appear close to returning to play, while Colon and Norris are anticipated to be out for a longer period of time.

Left practice early

• None

No players appeared to suffer significant injuries during Thursday’s practice.

Return to practice/status change

• WR Dominic Lovett (abdominal)
• WR Tom Kennedy (undisclosed)
• DL Pat O’Connor (leg)
• CB Terrion Arnold (hamstring) — participating in full during team reps

Lovett and Kennedy’s return gives the Lions slot receiver depth a big boost. Both players are fighting for roster spots, and a return to play will allow them to stay in the mix for the presumptively open WR6 role.

O’Connor has been down a little over a week, but his return to action will certainly provide the Lions with some much-needed...