The Detroit Lions have two key players on the offensive side of the ball who are question marks heading into the 2024 campaign, as tight end Sam LaPorta and running back Jahmyr Gibbs are both dealing with injuries.
Gibbs and LaPorta are dealing with hamstring issues that they suffered in practice at one point during training camp. Last week, head coach Dan Campbell gave positive updates on both, saying he expected them to return to practice this week.
“We’re hoping that the day after the Pittsburgh game, I think we’ll have a lot of players back,” Campbell said, according to Erik Schlitt of Pride of Detroit“We’re looking at signing Skip (Dan Skipper), (Kevin) Zeitler, (Sam) LaPorta, (Jahmyr) Gibbs, Rodrigo (Malcolm Rodriguez) and I think we might also sign (DJ) Reader. We’ll start working him out individually. So we’re hoping to have a full group of players back on Sunday.”
Ahead of the Lions’ pre-season finale, we received another positive update on both players.
Sam LaPorta and Jahmyr Gibbs injury update
According to Brad Galli of WXYZ 7 News DetroitGibbs and LaPorta were both spotted running routes during pregame warmups ahead of the Week 3 preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Good signs: Sam LaPorta, Jahmyr Gibbs run pregame at Ford Field ahead of Lions’ preseason finale pic.twitter.com/rHHLBVAqul
— Brad Galli (@BradGalli) August 24, 2024
This certainly indicates that not only are the two players close, but they are on track to be ready for the Lions’ Week 1 matchup against the The Los Angeles Rams Sunday, September 8.
After sensational rookie campaigns that saw both players make the Pro Bowl, LaPorta and Gibbs will be key members of what figures to once again be one of the NFL’s best offenses in 2024.
LaPorta recorded 86 receptions for 889 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2023. He is ranked as TE1 in the general PPR ranking and his receptions, yards and touchdowns rank first, fourth and tied for first among rookie tight ends in league history.
Meanwhile, Gibbs has rushed for 1,261 yards (945 rushing) from the line and 11 total touchdowns despite missing two games. should play a more important role in 2024, particularly as a pass receiver.