Lions TE Sam LaPorta sits out practice; Jameson Williams returns

Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta sat out practice Wednesday while wide receiver Jameson Williams was back on the field, per Lions beat reporter Dave Birkett. The split status underscores the daily injury movement Detroit is managing as it works through the preseason schedule.

LaPorta, one of the Lions' offensive cornerstones, has been a centerpiece of Detroit's passing game since arriving in the league, and his absence — even for a single session — is notable given how heavily the offense leans on the tight end position. The Lions have not detailed the reason for his limitation, so the expectation is that this is a managed day off unless the club signals otherwise.

Williams, meanwhile, returned to the practice field after his own recent shoulder issue, a positive for a receiver room that has dealt with periodic dings. Detroit has been careful with its skill-position players during camp, and getting Williams back while monitoring LaPorta fits the staff's cautious approach. More clarity should follow if either situation extends beyond a day or two.