Just Now: This Game Is Stressing Me The Hell Out….
DETROIT — Sam LaPorta is officially back, completing a stunning return in time for the Detroit Lions’ playoff opener on Sunday night against the Los Angeles Rams.
The record-setting rookie tight end hyperextended his left knee and suffered a bone bruise in the regular-season finale against Minnesota, and if you saw pictures of the play, well, you’re as surprised as LaPorta that he was able to get the green light to play against Los Angeles.
“It was certainly scary when it first happened,” LaPorta said this week. “I mean, I think everybody probably has seen a picture of it.”
Head coach Dan Campbell initially said LaPorta avoided structural damage to the knee, but the injury was believed to be severe enough to likely keep him out of the opening weekend of the playoffs. But LaPorta improved quickly enough to run some routes for Jared Goff after practice on Thursday, then was a full participant in practice on Friday. He was listed as questionable to play against the Rams, but hopes were high he’d be a go.
“Yeah, I’m optimistic,” LaPorta said. “We’ll see.”
Now, we see.
LaPorta’s return is a big lift for an offense that relies heavily on him in the passing game. He finished the regular season with 86 catches, an NFL record for a rookie tight end, while his 859 yards and 10 touchdowns were franchise records for any tight end ever. He became the first Lions rookie tight end ever to be named second-team All-Pro.
Detroit also lost backup tight end James Mitchell to a hand injury this week and placed him on injured reserve, deepening the need for LaPorta to suit up against Los Angeles. And now, he will — although he’ll do it with a bulky knee brace protecting the left knee from re-injury.
The Lions have made safety Tracy Walker and edge rusher Charles Harris healthy scratches, after starting both players for long stretches this season. The rest of the inactives: Receiver Kalif Raymond (knee), edge rusher Julian Okwara, cornerback Steven Gilmore, defensive tackle Brodric Martin and quarterback Hendon Hooker.
