Information sourced from: Jimmy Liao MD, Detroit Lions on X
Training camp is nearly completed, and the regular season is upon us. Game two of the preseason showed a marked improvement in some areas, and added questions in others. Let’s dig into injury, signing, and workout news and get to what’s new with the Lions!
Sam LaPorta - Back in Business
A collective sigh of relief washed over all of Detroit as Sam LaPorta returned to practice, proving that he was just fine (despite click-bait reporting to the contrary). Given the amount of time before week one kicks off, it seems extremely likely that LaPorta will have plenty of time to finish healing and suit up. However this outlines another issue which I have talked about a couple of times in various mediums….
Do the Lions have a TE Problem?
I was very happy when the Lions signed Tyler Conklin. However, seeing him in the last preseason game, he just seemed flat. Perhaps this is him just knocking rust free, but given that Brock Wright is our only other option at TE, I’m beginning to get concerned. Last year the offense looked woefully off without LaPorta. Keep an eye out in preseason week three to see if Conklin looks better, if not, the Lions may be on the lookout for a TE at cutdowns.
Damone Clark - Out Indefinitely
Per Jimmy Liao MD, Damone Clark is out indefinitely with an unknown injury. It’s never good to have someone go out indefinitely. However, if one room could afford to take a loss of this type, it is the Lions linebacker room. The Lions have a wealth of talent at linebacker, and one of many capable linebackers will surely jump up and fill the hole. I would expect Clark to make his way to IR shortly given how Coach Campbell spoke on the matter.
Injured Reserve Players
Two players have been placed on injured reserve. These are all per Jimmy Liao MD (If you haven’t read his article, you can find a link at the head of this article, and you should really do so and support the good doctor!).
Cedrick Wilson, WR
Raheem Blackshear, RB
Cedrick Wilson is probably the most notable here. He was playing pretty well. Once again though, the WR room is deep and the Lions will likely be just fine. Jimmy Liao MD did state that this could be a PCL sprain, which could make him a candidate to return. Keep tuned into Jimmy Liao MD for updates of this kind as (perhaps) we will see Wilson again this year.
Lions Sign: Jayson Taylor S, Roydell Williams RB, Gus Hartwig OL
Jayson Taylor S - Jayson Taylor has jumped between NFL rosters, and played in the UFL. I would expect him to compete for a special teams only safety spot, but truly I expect he will not be with the Lions at the 53 man cutdowns.
Roydell Williams RB - Roydell Williams is a rookie running back out of Alabama, who had some early durability issues. He looks to be the final RB on the training camp roster, and will likely see some use in the preseason game. However, again, I expect he will not make the roster and 53 man cutdowns.
Gus Hartwig OL - Gus Hartwig has been in the league since 2025, coming out of Purdue. He is a pure center and looks to challenge Seth McLaughlin and Juice Scruggs. I don’t truly expect him to challenge Scruggs given improved play, but he currently sits in the Michael Niese spot as Niese was on crutches following the last preseason game. He stands 6’ 5” and my biggest concern is if he can’t get low enough and actually becomes an impediment to the passing game, but only time will tell.
Ben Bartch: Back at Practice Again
Like a bad cold, Ben Bartch is back again. He has had a couple injuries during camp, however he has looked very promising. His quick recovery from a concussion is promising, and while concussions are concerning, it’s good to have him back. That all said, Bartch is a borderline starter in his ability and this makes me much more comfortable with our OL depth, and explains why the Lions did not sign Hernandez or Tomlinson who were worked out earlier this week.
Lots of Moving Parts and a Season Straight Ahead
The Lions have been busy, but I am encouraged to see them churn through the bottom of the roster when injuries occur. This allows them to ensure they have the best talent on the field, and not just rely on the other guys in the room. Making every man fight for his roster spot should be their approach, and that has been exactly what they are doing. All of these changes should make for an interesting preseason finale!