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

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 tight end Sam LaPorta (knee) has been downgraded to out for the remainder of Sunday's game against the Minnesota Vikings. He initially exited during the second quarter and was carted to the locker room. There is concern for a serious knee injury here, though additional testing will be required before the Lions provide an official diagnosis. LaPorta's foot appeared to snag the ground while he was being tackled, which led to his knee hyperextending. With both LaPorta and Brock Wright (hip) sidelined, the Lions will turn to James Mitchell as their top tight end.

Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta (knee) exited during the second quarter of Sunday's game against the Minnesota Vikings. He was carted to the locker room and is officially questionable to return. LaPorta's foot seemed to snag the ground while he was being tackled, which led to his knee hyperextending. It was a concerning sight for the young playmaker, who just minutes earlier set the rookie tight end record for receptions with his 10th touchdown. With Brock Wright (hip) also sidelined, the Lions will turn to James Mitchell as their top tight end.

Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta was listed on this week's injury report with an ankle injury, but he's cleared to go and will look to finish his spectacular rookie season on a high note. The second-round pick has hauled in 81 of his 113 targets for 860 yards and nine touchdowns. Those numbers are almost unheard of for rookie tight ends, and he's arguably been the best player at the position in 2023. Needless to say, he remains a must-start and strong DFS option against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 18. Although Minnesota has been stingy against tight ends, he's virtually matchup-proof.

Detroit Lions rookie tight end Sam LaPorta (ankle) was once again a limited participant during practice on Thursday. The rookie tight end has now been limited through the first two practices of the week. Despite that, fantasy managers shouldn't be too worried heading into Week 18. The limited sessions are likely just the Lions being cautious with their big tight end. The expectation is that LaPorta will be completely fine in time for the regular season finale against the Minnesota Vikings. LaPorta is coming off an 84-yard performance and he'll look to build on that this weekend.