For the second week in a row, the Lions will be without two of their top rookies. It didn't stop them last week in a 42-24 win over the Panthers.
Running back Jahmyr Gibbs (hamstring) and defensive back Brian Branch (ankle) have been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Buccaneers. Gibbs suffered his injury last Friday in practice, while Branch sustained his in the Lions' Week 4 win over the Packers.
Detroit has also ruled out guard Jonah Jackson, who did not practice this week after injuring his ankle against the Panthers.
On the bright side, Sam LaPorta is trending in the right direction. The rookie tight end returned to practice Friday (limited) after being sidelined Thursday due to a calf injury he suffered Wednesday and said the calf is "feeling a lot better." Listed as questionable, LaPorta said he's aiming to play: "That's the plan, yeah. That's the goal."
Dan Campbell was asked Friday if the intensity of the way the Lions practice is leading to injuries and said, "Nope, no. It’s just nature, the way it is. I mean, we backed off this week, so if anything maybe we need to go harder."
Detroit's leading receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown will make his return Sunday after missing last week's game with an abdomen injury. He practiced fully the past two days and doesn't carry an injury designation into the game.