Sam LaPorta DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

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 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.