Lions get positive developments on the injury front on Friday

The Detroit Lions got some much-needed positive developments on the injury front from Friday’s practice session.

Tight end Sam LaPorta and offensive tackle Dan Skipper, who both sat out Thursday’s session, were back in full participation mode on Friday. That bodes very well for them playing on Monday night against the Seattle Seahawks.

Two other players who were limited on Thursday also upgraded to full on Friday. Safety Brian Branch handled his brain injury well enough in the limited role on Thursday to be a full participant on Friday. If he fares well on Saturday, Branch should be cleared by the NFL’s concussion protocol and be available for Week 4.

Defensive tackle Alim McNeill also returned in full after being a part-timer. He’s dealing with a shoulder injury suffered in the Week 3 win in Arizona.

Only two players were fully out: Frank Ragnow and Ifeatu Melifonwu. Ragnow has already been shut down for the week. Melifonwu has not practiced since Week 1 as he deals with a preseason ankle injury.