Sam LaPorta's Status for Playoff Game Uncertain

Lions rookie tight end will 'run around' at Friday practice.

Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta will participate in practice Friday, according to Dan Campbell. His status remains uncertain for Sunday's playoff opener against the Los Angeles Rams.

"LaPorta will run around today, so he's feeling better," Campbell said.

LaPorta has been a key part of the Lions' offense this season, totaling 889 yards and 10 receiving touchdowns. He set the NFL record for receptions by a rookie tight end with 86. 

"We'll know much, much more after today's practice and then entirely, what does it look like tomorrow when he wakes up," Campbell explained. "I know this, he's gotten better every day. Every day. So, we're gonna have him out there, take some practice reps and see where it goes." 

With the uncertainty surrounding LaPorta's status, the Lions have been forced to make accommodations. 

The impact that the rookie tight end has on the offense will force Campbell and offensive coordinator Ben Johnson to make adjustments to the gameplan. This has led them to create two packages for Sunday's game, in order to prepare for life both with and without LaPorta.

"Yeah, you build a couple of different packages. One with, one without and you're ready for both," Campbell explained. "We've gotten enough reps of walkthrough that we're able to adapt and adjust. We're fortunate that we've got smart receivers, between 'Saint' (Amon-Ra St. Brown) and (Josh) Reynolds and (Donovan) Peoples(-Jones), and then we've got 'Jamo' (Jameson Williams). All those guys, so we can handle it all. We've got Brock (Wright) back, and so, it's a smart group. It won't be too taxing, but we'll have the ability to adjust."

'Arrow's pointing up' with James Mitchell

Tight end James Mitchell has just two catches for 28 yards this season.

Though Mitchell's production has been limited this season, he's made a good impression on the Lions' coaching staff. Among those impressed is Ben Johnson.

While it hasn't been shown in games, the second-year tight end has made strides behind the scenes. 

“Shoot, he’s like all the rest of these young guys," Johnson said. "Every single game, the more reps he’s getting, he’s getting better each and every week. So, the arrow’s pointing up with him. It’s just a matter of getting him reps. He’s had Sam (LaPorta), he’s had Brock ahead of him. So, it’s been a little bit challenging early in the season.” 

The Lions lean on their tight ends plenty, asking them to produce both as receivers and blockers. Mitchell is a prime candidate to replace the workload that LaPorta has received throughout the regular season, if the Iowa product is unable to go.

Wright returned to practice Wednesday, and appears to be in good shape for Sunday. However, Mitchell possesses untapped athleticism, and could be a factor in the passing game.

“Yeah, I think we’re just guys that are gonna do whatever it takes," Mitchell explained. "We’re asked to do a lot of different things, maybe not as much as Sam. But, I think we all have different tools and things that we can bring to the offense and I think the coaches know that. And, they’re gonna game-plan accordingly.” 

Notes

1.) The Lions don't plan to make any official transactions until Saturday. Cornerback Jerry Jacobs is reportedly heading to injured reserve in a move that will clear a roster spot. 

That roster spot could be used to activate James Houston, who has been on injured reserve since Week 2. Campbell said Houston looked better this week, the second of his return-to-play evaluation clock.