Sam LaPorta DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

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.

Detroit Lions rookie tight end Sam LaPorta (ankle) is dealing with an ankle injury and was limited in the team's first practice of the week on Wednesday. It's a new injury for LaPorta, who could face playing-time restrictions or even be held out entirely in the Week 18 regular season finale on Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings with the Lions already locked into the No. 3 seed in the NFC. LaPorta has been a high-end TE1 for fantasy managers all year, so it would be a shame if the 22-year-old wasn't available for those still playing for a championship. Brock Wright (hip) was a non-participant in practice, so if both LaPorta and Wright are held out this weekend, the Lions would be down to James Mitchell and Anthony Firkser at the position.