Two key pieces to the Detroit Lions' offense, tight end Sam LaPorta and running back Jahmyr Gibbs, were sidelined in training camp and during the preseason due to injury, which led to questions about their Week 1 statuses.
Of course, both players are coming off sensational rookie campaigns that earned them Pro Bowl nods and they are set to play pivotal roles once again in one of the best offenses in the NFL in 2024.
LaPorta was second on the team in receiving yards last season, and his 86 catches, 889 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns ranked first, fourth and second among rookie tight ends in NFL history, per StatMuse.
Gibbs nearly broke 1,000 yards on the ground (945), and he tallied 1,261 yards from scrimmage and 11 total touchdowns. Making his season more impressive is the fact that Gibbs missed two games and split work with David Montgomery.
As far as injury updates go for both, head coach Dan Campbell all but directly confirmed on Monday that LaPorta and Gibbs will both play in Week 1.
Jahmyr Gibbs, Sam LaPorta injury update
Wednesday update
On Wednesday morning, head coach Dan Campbell revealed that both LaPorta and Gibbs look good after recovering from their hamstring injuries, which is yet another sign that both will suit up in Week 1.
#Lions HC Dan Campbell said Jahmyr Gibbs and Sam LaPorta both look good after hamstring injuries.
— Eric Woodyard (@E_Woodyard) September 4, 2024
Campbell has encouraged Gibbs to touch his game speed at least once or twice in practices to prevent things like this from happening going forward.
We'll update this page later on with the injury report.
Tuesday update
According to ESPN's Eric Woodyard, Gibbs told reporters that he feels about 98-100% and that he's ready to go for Week 1.
“I’m good, just had a little tweak,” he said.
Lions RB Jahmyr Gibbs tells ESPN that he’s ready to go for Week 1. Said he feels about 98-100% after tweaking his hamstring during camp while running routes. “I’m good, just had a little tweak,” he said. Gibbs said he’s “more confident overall” entering Year 2.
— Eric Woodyard (@E_Woodyard) September 3, 2024
You can check out the latest on LaPorta below. We'll update this page once more is known, but signs are pointing to him playing, also.
Monday update
According to Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press, Campbell said the only player he is concerned about ahead of Sunday is safety Ifeatu Melifonwu, which would suggest that LaPorta and Gibbs will be good to go, barring any setbacks.
Dan Campbell said Ifeatu Melifonwu is his only injury concern for the week. That means Gibbs, LaPorta, Branch, Davis, etc., should be good to go vs. Rams.
— Dave Birkett (@davebirkett) September 2, 2024
This doesn't come as much of a surprise, as both players were able to return to practice last week.
As good as they were last season, there is reason to believe that LaPorta and Gibbs can be even better in 2024. Not only do the Lions want to expand Gibbs' role, but the team must replace 64 targets, 40 receptions, 608 yards and five touchdowns after the departure of Josh Reynolds in free agency.
Detroit will open its season on Sunday, Sept. 8, against the Los Angeles Rams at Ford Field.
