By Blessing 
Defensive end Aidan Hutchinson and tight end Sam LaPorta headline the Detroit Lions’ injury concerns as they prepare for their Week 11 matchup with the Philadelphia Eagles. Detroit enters the weekend with plenty of eyes on their health updates, especially surrounding two of their biggest young stars (h/t ESPN’s Eric Woodyard).
Hutchinson returned to full participation in Thursday’s practice after sitting out on Wednesday due to an elbow issue. The 25-year-old has been one of Detroit’s most productive defenders this season, stacking up seven sacks, seven tackles for loss, four forced fumbles, 13 total tackles, and two passes defended through nine games. His return is encouraging for a Lions team that continues to battle an expanding list of injuries.
LaPorta’s situation is more concerning. The 24-year-old tight end missed practice on both Wednesday and Thursday because of a back injury, putting his Week 11 status in serious doubt. LaPorta has been a major part of Detroit’s offense, ranking second on the team with 40 catches for 489 yards and three touchdowns, and serving as one of Jared Goff’s most trusted options near the goal line.
According to Pro Football Focus, LaPorta ranks as the No. 3 tight end in the league for 2025, highlighting just how valuable he is to a Lions offense that currently sits second in the NFL with an average of 31.4 points per game. If he can’t go, Detroit would feel the loss in a passing attack centered around Amon-Ra St. Brown—who has 693 yards and eight touchdowns—and a rushing duo of Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery, who have combined for 13 scores on the ground.
Safety Kerby Joseph continues to manage a knee injury, while rookie corner Terrion Arnold remains in concussion protocol. Offensive linemen Penei Sewell and Taylor Decker, edge rusher Marcus Davenport, and running back Sione Vaki were all limited but are expected to play.
Detroit will release its final injury report after Friday’s practice ahead of Sunday night’s NFC showdown in Philadelphia, scheduled for 8:20 p.m. ET.