Detroit Lions tight end is trending toward playing in Rams vs Lions according to Tom Pelissero via NFL Game Day. This a week after suffering a hyperextended knee and a bone bruise in Week 18.
Sam LaPorta was listed as a full participant in the Lions Friday practice but was officially listed as questionable. Pelissero also reported he will be wearing a knee brace and will likely play in a limited capacity. LaPorta plays an average of 83 percent of the Lions offensive snaps.
LaPorta’s injury is the same suffered by Travis Kelce at the beginning of the season. Kelce missed the first game of the season and was limited to around 60 percent of the team’s offensive snaps over the next two weeks.
LaPorta’s Affect on Rams vs Lions
LaPorta has the second most receptions and receiving yards for the Lions this season. He is fifth and sixth among all tight ends in those categories. He is also integral to the Lions running game, he has played more run-blocking snaps than any other tight end this season.
For the Los Angeles Rams, this means that Byron Young, Michael Hoecht, and Ernest Jones will have to ensure stellar coverage when he is on the field. Hoecht leads all edge rushers in coverage snaps and Young is third. Hoecht has given up 249 yards on 29 receptions.
It also makes stopping Lions running backs Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery all the harder. They were 5th and 12th respectively in yards per carry this season.
