Lions Sam LaPorta Officially Questionable; Will He Play vs. Rams?

After missing practice earlier in the week, the Detroit Lions standout tight end Sam LaPorta will participate on Friday ahead of Sunday's Wild Card game versus the Los Angeles Rams.

Potentially the biggest question mark ahead of Sunday's "Super Wild Card weekend" matchup between the Los Angeles Rams and Detroit Lions is the injury status of rookie tight end Sam LaPorta. 

The standout second-round pick out of Iowa, who put together a rookie-of-the-year-worthy regular season, went down with an apparent knee injury during the Lions' Week 18 win over the Minnesota Vikings. 

After initial concerns that LaPorta would be out for some time with the injury, it seems the Lions have found optimism that he could play versus the Rams. 

“I know this, he’s gotten better every day, every day. So we’re going to have him out there, take some practice reps, and see where it goes,” Lions coach Dan Campbell said recently in an interview with 97.1 The Ticket about LaPorta's status.

As of Friday afternoon, LaPorta is officially listed as questionable.

Jan 7, 2024; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta (87) catches a pass for a touchdown in the first quarter against the Minnesota Vikings and sets an NFL record for most catches by a rookie tight end at Ford Field.  / David Reginek-USA TODAY Sports

The diagnosis of a hyperextended knee was much better than the Lions were anticipating when he went down on Sunday. However, while it wasn't the long-term setback that many were originally thinking of, it is still uncertain that he'll feature on Sunday. 

However, LaPorta's return to practice on Friday is ultimately good news for the Lions after being listed as a non-participant for Wednesday and Thursday practice. 

His availability would be a big boost for a Lions' offense that could be one of the most balanced offenses the Rams could face this postseason. With Amon-Ra St. Brown and LaPorta effectively serving as quarterback Jared Goff's first and second option through the air, they also have a dynamic duo at running back with David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs. 

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LaPorta totaled 889 yards and 10 touchdowns on 86 receptions as he helped the Lions to a 12-5 season. As for whether he'll play on Sunday, Campbell added that they'll wait to see how the rookie feels on Saturday before deciding.

Kickoff between the Rams and Lions on Sunday inside Ford Field is scheduled for 5 p.m. PT.