The Detroit Lions were almost fully prepared for their divisional playoff game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Thursday, having canceled their practice on Wednesday in favor of a walk-through.
The lone player absent from practice was punt returner Kalif Raymond, which raises further doubts about his readiness for Sunday’s matchup with Tampa Bay. He is recovering from a knee injury he sustained against Minnesota in the regular-season finale. He’s come a long way this week, and like Sam LaPorta last week, he might try practice on Friday.
Dan Campbell, the head coach, stated this week that “he’s better.” To be honest, we won’t really know until Friday or Saturday. This is definitely one of those cases. He’s greatly better.
The Lions’ 53-man roster is complete for the Buccaneers other from that. This includes Frank Ragnow, the center, who was noted on the estimated injury report that was made public on Wednesday as being “out” owing to rest. LaPorta and James Houston, the edge rusher, were also present and are anticipated to be active contributors. LaPorta is competing despite having a hyperextended left knee, while Houston is anticipated to play against Tampa after being activated from injured reserve today. He hasn’t played since Week 2 due to a fractured ankle.
