Sam LaPorta's Stats, Metrics, Game Logs, Projections & Rankings

Detroit Lions rookie tight end Sam LaPorta (knee) said he got in some repetitions at practice on Thursday and is "optimistic" about playing in Sunday's wild-card playoff game against the Los Angeles Rams. LaPorta was officially listed as a non-participant for the second straight day at Thursday's practice, but the talented 22-year-old tight end isn't giving up hope that he can play in his first career postseason game this weekend. He suffered a hyperextension of his left knee and a bone bruise in the Week 18 win over the Minnesota Vikings. LaPorta, who was the top-scoring fantasy tight end during the regular season, will be extra risky as a high-priced DFS play in the wild-card round if he plays and is limited. If he's not ultimately cleared to play, Brock Wright (hip), who missed the last three games of the regular season, would serve as Detroit's No. 1 TE.

Detroit Lions rookie tight end Sam LaPorta (knee) remained sidelined at practice on Thursday for the second straight day. LaPorta injured his left knee in the win over the Minnesota Vikings in the Week 18 regular season finale on Sunday and is up in the air to play on Sunday in the wild-card playoff game against the Los Angeles Rams. The 22-year-old was diagnosed with a hyperextended knee and a bone bruise and was given an outside chance of playing this weekend. The second-rounder was the top-scoring fantasy tight end in his first year in the league, so Detroit would be losing a key weapon in the passing game if LaPorta is unable to practice on Friday and play on Sunday night. Brock Wright (hip), who missed the last three games of the regular season, is practicing in full and would serve as Detroit's primary pass-catching tight end on Sunday if LaPorta is sidelined.

Detroit Lions rookie Pro Bowl tight end Sam LaPorta (knee) didn't take part in the team's practice on Wednesday, but he was in attendance. LaPorta hyperextended his knee in the Week 18 regular season finale against the Minnesota Vikings and suffered a bone bruise on Sunday. The Lions initially believed he would miss the wild-card game this Sunday night against the Los Angeles Rams, but LaPorta has improved enough to take part in a walkthrough this week and has an "outside chance to play, according to head coach Dan Campbell. "He's improving. He was out there in walkthrough. I don't foresee us knowing anything or feeling like we have a real good picture until Friday afternoon. But he's improving," Campbell said. LaPorta was the No. 1 fantasy tight end in his first NFL season, but he'll carry extra risk in DFS lineups if he's active and playing at less than 100 percent.

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.