Despite the Rams’ playoff victory, Dan Campbell remains unhappy because one of his most dedicated players suffered a severe injury that nearly resulted in spinal cord damage.

Despite the Rams’ playoff victory, Dan Campbell remains unhappy because one of his most dedicated players suffered a severe injury that nearly resulted in spinal cord damage.

In order to get ready for their 2023–24 Wild Card round matchup against the Los Angeles Rams, the Detroit Lions returned to the practice field on Thursday. Several players, including veteran offensive linemen Frank Ragnow, Taylor Decker, and Graham Glasgow, were able to return to practice for the Lions today. Sam LaPorta, a rookie tight end, worked with quarterback Jared Goff after practice.

**NOTE: Bold text indicates changes from the injury report from last week.

Absent practice
QB Teddy Bridgewater, private; Kalif Raymond, knee; Teddy Bridgewater Kneecap Sam LaPorta CB Jerry Jacobs has been downgraded (thigh/knee).
LaPorta officially did not participate in Thursday’s practice, but he told the media that he managed to get some work done afterward.

“It’s getting better every day, and I’ll see where it takes me tomorrow,” LaPorta stated after working out a few times today. Simply focusing on each day as it comes. It didn’t feel good when it first happened, but I think I’ve recovered pretty quickly. We’ll see.

Soon after, he added, “Yeah, I’m optimistic.”

Here’s what he said when questioned about the type of work he did:

“I was performing the same blocking repetitions that we practice on our own. I was receiving those as reps. ran a few routes alongside Jared (Goff),” stated LaPorta.

The reason for Bridgewater’s absence is personal. As of right now, no additional information is available.

Find out all you need to know about upcoming NFL playoff games, including dates, seeds, betting odds, game lines, and more.

Raymond is still missing practice, as one might expect. The likelihood that he will be fit to play by Sunday appears remote, and the Lions have already begun to look into other punt returner options.

Special teams coordinator Dave Fipp told the media, “For us, it’ll be the best player for our football team that we have available to us to use that we think can also manage the roles.” “So, could someone like (Amon-Ra) St. Brown

accomplish that? That is conceivable. All season long, he has been our go-to return man in an emergency. Donovan Peoples-Jones is one person who did it in Cleveland, so that is obviously a possibility. Additionally, if we can get (Maurice) Mo Alexander up, he’s a great option and currently on the practice squad. He is a superb athlete. That will be one of those, then.

On Wednesday, Jacobs’ thigh injury was noted as limited on the injury report; today, a knee injury was added to the list. Although he is not unusually absent from practice the next day, he took to social media to thank Detroit in a somewhat cryptic tweet given the limited number of roster spots.

I’m grateful for Detroit.

— @_luhjerry, Jerry Jacobs January 11, 2024
Prior to jumping to conclusions, it’s crucial to remember that Jacobs is still a member of the team and hasn’t shown any clear signs of being cut, even though his season could end if he is placed on injured reserve. If anything develops with this, we will be monitoring the situation.

restricted use
TE James Mitchell’s (hand) injury is new.
Though it’s not exactly ideal timing given LaPorta’s uncertain status and Brock Wright’s injury return this week, we’ll have to wait and see if Mitchell, a second-year tight end, will be missing Sunday’s game or if it’s a relatively minor injury.

complete workout
C Frank Ragnow (back, knee, toe, and rest) LT Taylor Decker, rest of group Glasgow, Graham (rest) WR Jameson Williams, tight end Hippie Brock Wright DT John Cominsky’s health
EDGE There are seven evaluation days left for James Houston (ankle, IR).
CB Cameron Sutton (heel/toe) Database Brian Branch’s hand
Decker, Glasgow, and Ragnow all returned to practice on Thursday after taking a day off on Wednesday. Although Ragnow continues to manage several injuries, he plays through them every week.

Williams and Wright, who were not present for the game last week, are still on the upswing. In the event that LaPorta is unable to play this week, Wright might be important.

Cominsky is still fighting a disease, but practicing is a positive step.

Although Houston’s road back to the starting lineup appeared long, participating in full practices suggests that he will soon be activated from injured reserve. What he does in practice will determine whether or not he plays in the postseason.

“Go out and practice and see how effective you can be,” defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn said regarding what Houston needs to do to get back on the field. “We’ll put you in there and let you play if you’re effective.”

Branch and Sutton are anticipated to be available for the weekend after having packed weeks of practice each. They’ll need every starting player in their secondary to be prepared for the Rams’ potent offense.

Rams injury report
First names are bolded.

didn’t put it into practice

OL Joe Noteboom, Left Foot Troy Reeder FS, knee Jordan Fuller (ankle): Very little work

Full practice for TE Tyler Higbee (shoulder) and RG Kevin Dotson (shoulder).

RT Rob Havenstein taking a break