Lions TE Sam LaPorta 'Optimistic' On Playing vs. Rams

The Detroit Lions could be getting back one of their key offensive weapons in time for Sunday night's game against the Detroit Lions.

The Los Angeles Rams' Sunday night matchup against the Detroit Lions may be the most-anticipated game of Wild Card Weekend, and fans all over want to see both teams at full strength.

Fortunately, especially for those in the Motor City, the Lions took a major step towards getting healthy on Thursday. Rookie tight end Sam LaPorta, who left last week's game against the Minnesota Vikings with a knee injury, stated that he is "optimistic" about playing on Sunday.

"You know, I got some reps today at practice. Starting to feel better, day by day. We'll see where it takes me tomorrow," LaPorta told reporters. "Really just taking it a day at a time, because when it first happened it didn't feel great. I feel like I've started to bounce back quickly. So we'll see, day by day."

Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell talks to quarterback Jared Goff (16) during the first half against Los Angeles Rams at the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif. on Sunday, Oct. 24, 2021 :: © Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK

LaPorta is still listed as not participating in Thursday's practice, but the fact that he is so confident in playing is a step in the right direction.

A second-round pick out of Iowa, LaPorta has been a tremendous find for the Lions' offense. He finished the regular season with 86 receptions for 889 yards and 10 touchdowns. LaPorta set the record for most receptions by a rookie tight end, and led all players at his position with 10 touchdowns this season.

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Lions fans held. their collective breath when LaPorta went down against the Vikings. Thankfully, he avoided long-term injury and was diagnosed with just a hyperextended knee.

The Rams and Lions will be in the national spotlight on Sunday, kicking off at 5 p.m. PT (8 p.m. ET) from Ford Field.