Allen Park — Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell met with local media ahead of Thursday’s practice, providing some newsworthy updates.
At the top of the list was an update on tight end Sam LaPorta, who was absent from the practice field a day earlier. It looks like he’ll be out for more than a few days while dealing with a hip injury.
“So, Sam, the other night, he kind of got hit in the hip, and it just flared up a little bit,” Campbell said. “It's a little aggravated, but we feel good long-term about him. We're just resting it for a little bit here and letting it calm down.”
Campbell was asked if the injury could linger into the regular season and the coach wasn’t prepared to offer that kind of timeline.
“Well, I don't have an update,” Campbell said. “I don't know.”
LaPorta is coming off a season-ending back injury, which required surgery and temporarily caused him to lose feeling and strength in his leg.
The former Pro Bowler, who rewrote the franchise record books at his position as a rookie, is entering the final year of his contract and in line for an extension.
Continuing on the injury front, guard Ben Bartch is in concussion protocol. The veteran lineman, who only recently got full clearance from last year’s Lisfranc break and surgical repair, had been out the past two practices.
Bartch was expected to challenge Christian Mahogany for the starting left guard job this season, but his lack of practice time has essentially allowed Mahogany to secure the job.
“It's real hard to say that over four practices or whatever (Bartch can win the job),” Campbell said. “It doesn't mean he can't, but that window is shrinking right now. The most important thing is for him to get to where he feels right again and to where he can go, he's healthy, he feels good, and he can start practicing, and then we'll see. I mean, I think that window is closing quickly.”
Providing another injury update, Campbell said he doesn’t expect rookie linebacker Jimmy Rolder to return to practice before the end of training camp at the end of this month. The former Michigan standout has been out since the first week of camp with a hamstring injury.
“Probably unlikely,” Campbell said. “He's doing well. I mean, he is progressing well, but I think it will be hard-pressed to see him next week.”
If Rolder isn’t cleared by the end of August, the Lions would have a decision to make. They could place him on injured reserve with a designation to return to begin the season, freeing up a roster spot. The downside to that approach is Rolder would be required to miss the first four games.
Alternatively, Rolder could be kept on the 53-man roster and would be able to practice and play as soon as he’s medically cleared.
Finally, regarding Saturday’s preseason game against Washington, quarterback Jared Goff won’t suit up. The start will go to veteran Josh Dobbs, who is expected to split the workload with undrafted rookie Luke Altmyer.
Dobbs hasn’t seen a lot of work on the practice field since signing with the Lions, but Campbell downplayed that inactivity. However the coach said the backup competition remains open.
“I think some of it is, look, Dobbs is a bright guy,” Campbell said. “He's played this league. But also, man, just making sure we got him up to speed, being true to that. And also, Luke's a young player, but he's promising. (We’re) trying to soak him with reps. So it's just kind of a little bit of that, but we'll get a look at Dobbs here and let him go.”
Nothing serious on LaPorta at least.
There a number of important players that should be put in bubble wrap this time of year. The fact that LaPorta takes a shot to the hip and our LG takes a shot to head. What are we doing? Full contact? Dumb