With just one week left to go of training camp, the Detroit Lions aren't entering the countdown to cutdown day unscathed.
It would've been unrealistic to expect the team to leave this offseason without a few dings, but other than the known injuries to players like Brian Branch, Kerby Joseph, and Cade Mays, there aren't too many areas of concern on that front.
On Tuesday, head coach Dan Campbell spoke to reporters about those injuries that the Lions are managing as we head into their last preseason contest this Saturday, as well as cutdown day on Sunday.
Latest injury updates on several Lions: Damone Clark, Thomas Harper, and more
Thomas Harper
Harper injured his ankle last week, and Campbell told reporters on Tuesday that he should be okay, but it's unlikely that the safety can suit up for Saturday's final preseason game. Given the state of their safety room, this shouldn't exclude him from the roster, but we'll have to wait and see on Sunday whether or not Harper makes the cut amid this injury.
Damone Clark
Clark is out "indefinitely," per Campbell. The linebacker had been in the mix for a backup LB role headed into this season, but that journey is now over for the veteran. This leaves Detroit a bit thin at the position, but it's certainly not as thin as their cornerback room right now.
Sam LaPorta
LaPorta had reportedly injured his hip in practice last week, and Campbell told reporters they'd need a few days to see how he responded to letting it rest. On Tuesday, we heard nothing about him, so it might be safe to assume that he's healing up well and should be ready to go for Week 1. We'll update with anything more concrete on this front.
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Michael Niese
Niese injured himself in the Lions' Week 2 preseason game against the Washington Commanders, but he was also not mentioned by Campbell in his press conference on Tuesday. So, he may be fine. Again, we'll update with anything more specific on his injury recovery.
Raheem Blackshear
Blackshear was placed on the IR on Monday, which made the Lions' corresponding move to sign Roydell Williams make sense. Blackshear had been great in limited snaps in preseason, and could've competed for at least a special teams role this season. Instead, he's on the IR to begin the year, and likely a practice squad candidate if he's not released by the team.
Cedrick Wilson Jr.
Wilson, like Blackshear, had shown some promise in preseason - he has great hands, and seemed to be a potential option for the Lions' special teams unit as a returner. His chances at making the roster seemed like a long shot with how stacked their wide receiver room is, though. He is also on the IR now.
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