The Detroit Lions are taking on the Minnesota Vikings in Week 18. The Lions are locked into a top-four seed but decided to still play their starters in this game. It may be a pivotal move as rookie tight end Sam LaPorta was tackled awkwardly, and his leg got caught in the turf. He instantly grabbed at his knee/leg and is getting checked by trainers.
LaPorta was having a big day before his injury. He had brought in five of his seven targets for 29 yards and a touchdown. LaPorta has played in all 16 games heading into this week. He has come down with 81 of his 113 targets for 860 yards with nine touchdowns. Not only has he been one of the best pass-catchers for Detroit this season, but one of the best tight ends in the entire league. With Brock Wright ruled out pregame, James Mitchell is next on the depth chart to take over as the top tight end for Detroit if LaPorta is sidelined coming out of halftime.
Sam LaPorta injury updates
Post-game update: HC Dan Campbell gives us some word salad here, but it sound like LaPorta will be out at least a game.
Lions coach Dan Campbell on the Sam Laporta injury.
— Dan Wetzel (@DanWetzel) January 7, 2024
“It’s not as bad as it looked, but it’s not good news. We’ll know more tomorrow. I know it looked awful but it’s not as bad as that. But that’s doesn’t mean that it looks good in the immediate, to have him for a game.”
Update: LaPorta will not return and has been ruled OUT for the remainder of the game.
Update: LaPorta is questionable to return with a knee injury.
Update: LaPorta is being carted to the locker room.