The Detroit Lions have been plagued by injuries throughout training camp, with several key players missing practice due to various ailments.
Among the injured, Jahmyr Gibbs has been out for a week with a hamstring issue. Though initially concerning, coach Dan Campbell indicated that the second-year running back is close to returning.
Gibbs, along with other vital players like tight end Sam LaPorta, offensive linemen Dan Skipper and Kevin Zeitler, linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez, and defensive tackle DJ Reader, could be back as early as Sunday following the Lions’ preseason finale against Pittsburgh.
“We plan to get Gibbs going next week,” Campbell said on Tuesday. “He’s making progress. We’re hoping to get a lot of guys back after the Pittsburgh game, including Skipper, Zeitler, LaPorta, Gibbs, Rodriguez, and possibly start working Reader in as well.”
Detroit’s secondary has also been hit hard, with injuries to Terrion Arnold, Ennis Rakestraw, Amik Robertson, Carlton Davis, and Emmanuel Moseley. Moseley is out indefinitely with a pectoral injury.
Rakestraw is expected to return to practice on Tuesday, while Davis and Robertson will be limited. Arnold will miss the rest of the week, but Campbell is hopeful he’ll be ready for Week 1.
“I think there’s a chance we could get him back mid-next week,” Campbell said. “He’s trending in the right direction, and I’m optimistic most of our guys will be ready for Week 1.”
