The 2023-24 season has been overwhelmingly positive for the Detroit Lions and their fanbase. The Lions won the NFC North and will now host a playoff game for the first time in 30 years! However, the universe has a funny way of balancing things out, which is why the Sam LaPorta injury update is less than positive.
Let’s get into the injury update for the rookie tight end ahead of the Rams vs Lions NFL Playoffs Wild Card Weekend matchup.
Sam LaPorta Injury Update For Wild Card Weekend
The Detroit Lions host the Los Angeles Rams in the final game on Sunday, which is the fifth playoff game of Wild Card Weekend. However, this may not be enough time to get their star tight end back on the field, given the recent update we have received on the Sam LaPorta injury.
We last saw LaPorta getting a ride on the medical cart back to the locker room, which is never a scene we wish to see. A knee injury for the Iowa product did not look good in real-time, but we needed tests following the win over the Minnesota Vikings to determine the severity.
Following an MRI, the Sam LaPorta injury update brings mixed feelings. He has been diagnosed with a hyperextended knee and a bone bruise. The good news is that it seems LaPorta has avoided structural damage to his knee. For the long term, he is good to go. However, will he be ready for one of the biggest games in franchise history in a very long time?
Well, probably not. Sam LaPorta is expected to miss Sunday’s game against the Rams, leaving the Lions without one of their best weapons.
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Impact on the Detroit Lions Offense
The Detroit Lions have had one of the best offenses in the NFL over the past couple of seasons. They are incredibly aggressive, and Detroit strikes a terrific balance between a strong running back and the pocket passing of Jared Goff. Sam LaPorta was the perfect weapon to add to this offense since he is a strong blocker and is very good after the catch as well.
We have seen Detroit have success with various “no name” tight ends mixing in. Last season, after the TJ Hockenson trade, Detroit somehow found production from multiple players on the roster. They will need to do it once again, as the Los Angeles Rams offense, led by Matthew Stafford, will put up points in Ford Field. Will the Detroit Lions be able to keep up?
Other pass-catchers will have to mix in, and Detroit will likely rely on their running game as well. Use this unfortunate news to your advantage on Underdog Fantasy, where you can claim $100 and play Pick’em to make real money this weekend!