Multiple Detroit Lions' Starters Out Against Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Detroit Lions were applauded across the league for what they were able to accomplish in the last NFL Draft as they gathered up numerous amounts of talent including projected stars in tight end Sam LaPorta out of Iowa and Jahmyr Gibbs from Alabama.

Unfortunately for both LaPorta and Gibbs their seasons are hitting a bit of a snag as both are dealing with injuries.

On Friday, the Detroit Lions released their latest injury report ahead of their matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in which they listed Jahmyr Gibbs out due to a hamstring injury and LaPorta as questionable due to a calf strain. Also, starting safety Brian Branch will not play on Sunday afternoon with an ankle injury.

#DETvsTB injury report presented by Henry Ford Health. pic.twitter.com/ojDChiKqaa
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) October 13, 2023

For Gibbs, this will be the second straight week he will miss a game due to his hamstring injury. Gibbs was out of practice for the majority of the week but was able to log limited work on the sidelines on Thursday, but ultimately the Lions are going to be cautious with bringing their rookie RB back.

Lions rookie RB Jahmyr Gibbs didn't practice on Wednesday with a hamstring injury. Today (Thursday) he is on the side with DL Josh Paschal and TE James Mitchell. pic.twitter.com/bAcKJJnkuy
— Jeanna Trotman (@JeannaTrotmanTV) October 12, 2023

Thus far in the four games that he has played in, Gibbs has compiled a modest 179 yards on the ground and 14 catches for 70 yards as he has spent much of his time playing behind veteran David Montgomery.

As for Lions' tight end Sam LaPorta the calf strain is relatively a new injury designation this week as he was held out of practice on Thursday before taking part in the walk-through portion of practice on Friday morning.

Dan Campbell said Lions TE Sam LaPorta has a calf strain, took part in walk-through this morning, not sure on status for Sundayhttps://t.co/jMSJthahq1
— Dave Birkett (@davebirkett) October 13, 2023

LaPorta has emerged as a serious threat on the offensive side of the ball for Detroit and has compiled 25 catches for 289 yards and three scores - two of which came last week in their win over the Carolina Panthers.

Both LaPorta and Gibbs are an integral part of an elite Lions' offense that currently ranks fourth in the NFL in scoring and fifth in total yards, so being without them would be a huge gut punch against one of the more elite defenses in the league.

You can follow Caleb on Twitter @chsnole

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