Detroit Lions

Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams (ankle) and tight end Brock Wright (hip) will return to practice this week and are expected to play against the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Wild Card game on Sunday Night Football. Williams missed the Week 18 game against the Minnesota Vikings with an ankle injury and illness, while Wright was absent due to a hip ailment. With Sam LaPorta (knee) and Kalif Raymond (knee) getting banged up on Sunday, the return of Williams and Wright could be a significant development. Williams has boom-or-bust appeal in playoff leagues and DFS, but Wright has limited upside even if he's elevated to the No. 1 tight end role.

Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta (knee) was carted off the field with a knee injury during Sunday's Week 18 win over the Minnesota Vikings. He has been diagnosed with a hyperextended knee, and head coach Dan Campbell said he has an "outside shot" to play against the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Wild Card contest on Sunday. Campbell mentioned that LaPorta is more day-to-day than week-to-week, but his status is still up in the air for Detroit's first home playoff game since 1994. It sounds like he'd be ready to go for the Divisional Round if the Lions advance, but fantasy managers and DFS gamers will need to check back on his status throughout the week. If he can't play, Brock Wright (hip), who is expected to be ready to go on Sunday, will likely start at tight end.

Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta (knee) didn't return to Sunday's NFC North matchup with the Minnesota Vikings. The rookie had played well before being carted off, catching five of seven targets for 29 yards and a touchdown. Head coach Dan Campbell indicated that LaPorta's injury wasn't as severe as initially believed. Fortunately, Campbell was correct, with an MRI revealing a hyperextended left knee and a bone bruise. Of course, things could have been worse. However, LaPorta will likely miss time, meaning Brock Wright would be the Lions' starting tight end to begin the postseason. That said, LaPorta has been a top fantasy tight end throughout the 2023-24 campaign, so Wright atop the depth chart would be a significant downgrade.

Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta (knee) didn't return to Sunday's NFC North showdown with the Vikings after getting carted off because of a knee injury. Head coach Dan Campbell provided an update while speaking to the media after the game, indicating that the rookie's "injury isn't as bad as it looked." However, he'll need more tests on Monday to determine the severity of the ailment, so his status for the postseason will remain a mystery until then. LaPorta has been a top fantasy tight end all year, and he will finish the regular season with 86 receptions for 889 yards and 10 touchdowns. If he misses time, Brock Wright would presumably fill the void, although it would be a significant downgrade for the Lions offense.

Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs rushed 13 times for just 30 yards in the Week 18 win over the Minnesota Vikings. He did not catch his lone target, but he did reach the end zone on a three-yard run. It was far from his best fantasy performance of the season, but he salvaged his quiet day with a touchdown. The rookie speedster will be a high pick in 2024 fantasy drafts, and he's made a case to be the dynasty RB1 over the last half of the season. He'll likely continue to share touches with David Montgomery in 2024, but he'll have plenty of upside as an explosive rusher and receiver.