The Detroit Lions head on the road in Week 12 for a matchup against the Indianapolis Colts. Detroit beat the Jacksonville Jaguars 52-6 last week to extend its win streak to eight, the best in the league.
The Lions managed to post a franchise-record 645 total yards against the Jaguars last week despite missing one of their top pass catchers, tight end Sam LaPorta.
LaPorta left the Lions’ Week 10 game with a shoulder injury and wasn’t in the lineup last Sunday. Here’s the latest on his status for Week 12.
Is Sam LaPorta playing this week?
LaPorta was a full participant in practice Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. He was not listed as questionable on the team’s final practice report and looks set to return to the field this week.
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‘I feel like he’s trending the right way,’ Lions coach Dan Campbell said Friday. ‘He looks pretty good, looks like he’s got fresh legs.’
The last time LaPorta was in the lineup, the second-year tight end had three catches for 66 yards and a touchdown against the Texans.
LaPorta finished 2023 with 86 catches for 889 yards, both second-most on the team behind wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown. He’s still second on the team in receptions in 2024 but third in yards thanks to Jameson Williams’ emergence.
When was Sam LaPorta injured?
LaPorta was injured in Week 10’s ‘Sunday Night Football’ contest against the Houston Texans.
He appeared to land awkwardly after making a 37-yard catch early in the third quarter. He left the game shortly after and did not return.
Sam LaPorta stats
In nine games this season, LaPorta has 25 catches for 366 yards and three touchdowns on 32 targets.
Detroit Lions TE depth chart
With LaPorta working his way back, here’s how the rest of the depth chart looks at tight end for the Lions:
Brock Wright
Shane Zylstra
The Lions also have tight end James Mitchell signed to the practice squad.