Detroit Lions Sam LaPorta, Josh Paschal Return to Friday NFL Practice

The Detroit Lions have a number of injured players with uncertain statuses ahead of their Week 6 matchup with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. 

Defensive back Brian Branch, offensive guard Jonah Jackson, tight end Sam LaPorta and running back Jahmyr Gibbs all have missed practices this week. 

Jackson, Gibbs and Teddy Bridgewater were all absent from the portion of Friday's practice open to the media. LaPorta was a participant, as was Josh Paschal, who is eligible to return from injured reserve.

Branch, meanwhile, was working on the side with trainers.

LaPorta suffered a calf injury and did not practice Thursday, causing concern about his potential availability for Sunday. 

"Yeah he just had a little bit of a strain," Dan Campbell said. "Don't know, we'll know more today. He was out in walkthroughs, so we'll see what he looks like out here." 

If LaPorta is unable to go, the Lions could turn to Anthony Firkser. Signed to the practice squad Tuesday, the veteran has played in 69 career games across five games. 

"He's a guy that has played in this league, has done a number of different jobs," Campbell explained. "I remember when he was at Tennessee for a while. He's got receiving ability, can do a little bit of the dirty work, fullback. I think he's somebody that can get up to speed pretty quick if needed."

Jackson played all but three snaps in Detroit's win over Carolina but was observed in a walking boot following the game. Neither Jackson nor Gibbs have practiced at all this week. 

"I would say they're all doing better," Campbell explained. "Gibbs had a really good day two days ago and then we kind of gave him a breather yesterday. Branch is getting better but I can't say right now, with any certainty, whether we'll have them this week." 

The Lions have seen a dent in their running back depth over the last week, as Gibbs missed Sunday's game and Zonovan Knight suffered a season-ending injury in the win over Carolina. 

Halapoulivaati Vaitai returned in Week 5 after missing the previous two weeks. Campbell said the veteran had a strong week of practice and would be a likely candidate to fill in should Jackson be unable to go.