The Detroit Lions will host a home playoff game for the first time in decades this weekend against the Los Angeles Rams.
The team locked up the No. 3 seed this past week but lost rookie tight end Sam LaPorta to what looked like a scary knee injury after he had to be carted off the field.
LaPorta was later diagnosed with a hyperextended knee and a bone bruise but remained optimistic he could play this weekend.
Now, Bridget Condon reports that Lions head coach Dan Campbell said that LaPorta’s status for Sunday will be easier to predict after he practices Friday.
Dan Campbell says they will know “much, much more after today’s practice” in terms of LaPorta
— Bridget Condon (@BridgetCondon_) January 12, 2024
LaPorta’s presence is crucial to Detroit’s success in this game.
He emerged as quarterback Jared Goff’s No. 2 pass-catcher after wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, especially in the red zone.
Without LaPorta, the Lions would lean on reserve receivers like Josh Reynolds and Jameson Williams, as third-string wide receiver Kalif Raymond is dealing with an injury of his own and might miss the game as well.
The dual-threat backfield of rookie Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery would also be relied on more heavily if LaPorta can’t play.
LaPorta would certainly make Goff’s life much easier against his old club, but the health of LaPorta’s knee remains a big question mark heading into the weekend.
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