By Moses Joshua 
Detroit’s injury concerns grow ahead of crucial Week 11 showdown with Philadelphia
New Injury Raises Concerns in Secondary
The Detroit Lions’ already thin secondary took another hit Thursday as cornerback Amik Robertson was added to the injury report with a hamstring issue. While he was able to practice in a limited capacity, the timing is far from ideal with a primetime matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles looming.
Robertson has stepped into a full-time starting role since DJ Reed went down with his own hamstring injury. With Terrion Arnold still in concussion protocol and Reed only recently returning to the practice field on Wednesday, Robertson is currently positioned to make yet another start on the outside. Dan Campbell has said the team is targeting “early December” for Reed’s return, meaning Detroit may have to lean heavily on Robertson and Rock Ya-Sin for at least a couple more weeks.
But Robertson’s newly surfaced injury now puts even that plan in question.
LaPorta’s Absence Looms Large for Lions’ Offense
Far more troubling for Detroit is the continued absence of star tight end Sam LaPorta, who has now missed two straight practices with a back injury. The Lions clearly aren’t taking chances—signing veteran tight end Anthony Firkser to the practice squad earlier this week as insurance.
Compounding matters, backup tight end Brock Wright is battling an ankle injury. He was sidelined Wednesday but managed to return in a limited role Thursday, offering at least some positive momentum at the position. Campbell is expected to provide further clarity Friday morning, but LaPorta’s lack of participation has created real uncertainty heading into Week 11.
LaPorta has been one of the Lions’ most consistent and impactful offensive playmakers, making his availability a major storyline to watch as the weekend approaches.
Multiple Starters Limited as Injury List Grows
Detroit’s Thursday report featured four players sidelined completely: Arnold, LaPorta, Kerby Joseph (knee), and Pat O’Connor (knee).
Ten more were listed as limited participants, including:
- Marcus Davenport (shoulder)
- Taylor Decker (shoulder)
- Miles Frazier (knee)
- Josh Paschal
- Jacob Saylors (back)
- Penei Sewell (ankle)
- Sione Vaki (ankle)
- Brock Wright
- DJ Reed
- Amik Robertson
There was some good news: Aidan Hutchinson (elbow) and Graham Glasgow (back) both returned to full participation. Linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez also practiced fully as he nears the end of his 21-day activation window following last year’s ACL injury.
Looking Ahead to Sunday Night Football
The Lions face a pivotal NFC test on Sunday night in Philadelphia, and the team’s ability to field its top contributors remains a major storyline. While Robertson’s status is worth tracking, LaPorta’s situation stands out as the most impactful development of the week.
Detroit’s final injury report will be released Friday, giving fans—and the Eagles—a clearer picture of who will be available under the bright lights at Lincoln Financial Field.