Update, Oct. 13 — LaPorta is listed as questionable heading into the weekend. He was a limited practice participant on Friday.
#Lions rookies Jahmyr Gibbs (hamstring) and Brian Branch (ankle) have both been ruled OUT of Sunday’s game at Tampa Bay. They both missed last week’s game too and didn’t practice all week.
Rookie TE Sam LaPorta (calf) is listed as questionable. pic.twitter.com/NHQ6Dlgdyw— Eric Woodyard (@E_Woodyard) October 13, 2023
Update, Oct. 13 — LaPorta is back at practice on Friday. With it being his first practice participation this week, don’t be surprised if he is listed as questionable heading into the weekend, but it looks like he is expected to play.
Sam LaPorta back at practice, no wrap, looking normal. Frank Ragnow back, too.
— Ben Raven (@BenjaminSRaven) October 13, 2023
Lions opened the 21-day practice window for Josh Paschal.
No Jahmyr Gibbs, Brian Branch (working on side by Mt. Patricia) or Jonah Jackson.
Update, Thursday — LaPorta missed Thursday’s practice with a calf injury. There have been no reports on the severity of the injury, but it is concerning. Have a backup fantasy tight end ready to go if LaPorta can’t practice on Friday.
Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta was not at practice on Thursday ahead of their Week 6 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this Sunday. The rookie was not on the injury report on Wednesday and at the moment, it is unclear what type of injury he’s dealing with if he’s dealing with an injury at all.
LaPorta is emerging as a breakout rookie star for the Lions and is looking like the next great tight end to come out of Iowa. Through five games, the rookie leads all tight ends with 289 receiving yards and three touchdowns off 25 receptions. His production has been a boon for fantasy managers who drafted him, as he enters Week 6 as the top fantasy tight end in both standard and PPR leagues.
Fantasy football implications for Week 6
For now, we’ll have to wait for the Lions’ practice report to see what LaPorta’s injury is and the severity of it. Third-year tight end Brock Wright is listed as Detroit’s backup tight end and that’s a name worth keeping in mind heading into the weekend.