Sam LaPorta Has 'Outside Shot' to Play against Rams

Could LaPorta suit up in playoff opener?

Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell provided updates on injured players Kalif Raymond and Sam LaPorta Monday, following the team's 30-20 win over the Minnesota Vikings. 

After an initial diagnosis of a hyperextended knee Sunday following the game, Campbell acknowledged that there is still a chance LaPorta could suit up for the Lions, when they take on the Rams in the Wild Card round of the playoffs.

As far as whether or not the Lions could look for help at the position elsewhere, Campbell said he feels that the team will be okay with what it has. 

"No, I think we'll be alright," Campbell explained. "Look, I know Brad's always got his eyes open, he's constantly looking to see if there's somewhere that will help us. But, look, LaPorta's got an outside shot, now. We'll see, in 48 hours we're gonna know a lot with him. But, he's got an outside shot."

Should LaPorta miss the game, his absence would be a heavy one. He had a historic rookie season, breaking the NFL record for receptions by a first-year tight end. 

Raymond also suffered a knee injury in Sunday's win. Campbell said the wideout is slightly behind LaPorta, in terms of chances to play in the postseason opener. 

"I think Leaf's kind of in that boat, maybe a little bit farther away than LaPorta," Campbell said. "But, it's very much, we're talking in days, not weeks here, which is a good thing. Brock (Wright) is doing much better, 'Jamo' (Jameson Williams) is doing much better. So, we're in a good spot now." 

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Campbell later clarified that he believes that both Jameson Williams and Brock Wright should be practicing on Wednesday. He also stated that he wasn't as optimistic about the chances of James Houston returning to action in Sunday's game. 

"Houston will be out there practicing. We'll see. He'll be better than he was last week, now how much is that? How good is that going to be? I don't know," Campbell stated. "I'm not as optimistic about him. I think Jamo's gonna be good here. He should be good to, practicing Wednesday. And, I think Brock's gonna be good to go, be out there practicing, as well."  

'It's about the Lions vs. the Rams'

Sunday's playoff matchup offers a fascinating showdown. It will be the first time that Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford plays at Ford Field since being traded for a package that included Jared Goff. 

With the heightened stakes of Sunday's  meeting, the storyline of each quarterback matching up against his former team has only added to the intrigue. 

However, Campbell was steadfast in his proclamation that Sunday's game is about more than just the battle of the quarterbacks. 

"I understand why people would be fascinated by it, so I guess I can appreciate it if I'm sitting where other people are," Campbell said. "I understand it's one of these stories. But, it's a reminder, too, though, and Goff knows this, for example, but we win as a team. Man, this is about the Lions versus the Rams, and we win with three phases here. He's a huge part of that, and all he's got to do is do his part. And, he knows that. So, just do what you've been doing all year."