Lions' Week 6 Inactive List

List of Lions players who are inactive against the Buccaneers.

The Detroit Lions will have tight end Sam LaPorta available for their Week 6 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, at Raymond James Stadium. 

After a hot start to his NFL career, the talented tight end suffered a calf injury at home against the Carolina Panthers. 

The injury flared up on Wednesday, but steadily improved over the course of the week, as the team was in preparation for a tough road game against the NFC South division leaders. 

LaPorta, a second-round draft pick, indicated that facing off against the Lions' defense all throughout rookie minicamp, training camp and the first five weeks of the season has been a contributing factor to his expedited development. 

LaPorta has quickly become an offensive weapon, impressing his teammates and the coaching staff. 

Former NFL tight end Dallas Clark has been a mentor for the young offensive weapon. 

Clark and LaPorta speak once every two weeks, but the duo regularly spoke during the rookie's collegiate playing days. 

"A lot of those guys have helped me progress and acclimate to this level, guys like T.J. (Hockenson), George (Kittle), Noah (Fant). Dallas Clark was a huge mentor for me at Iowa and still is," LaPorta told reporters this week. "Those guys have helped me a lot. Training with George this offseason was a lot of fun, and I learned a lot." 

Also, LaPorta credits the work he put in with veteran signal-caller Jared Goff for the chemistry that seemingly has developed quickly. 

Here is the updated list of the Lions' Week 6 inactives:

• DB Brian Branch 

• RB Jahmyr Gibbs 

• CB Steven Gilmore 

• G Jonah Jackson 

• DT Brodric Martin

• TE James Mitchell