The Detroit Lions finally won the NFC North! They didn’t have any time to celebrate, though — they’ll face the red-hot Los Angeles Rams and former quarterback Matthew Stafford this week. Questions remain about whether the Lions will have tight end Sam LaPorta this week, so let’s look at the most recent Sam LaPorta injury updates as we assess whether he will be playing. If you’re hungry for more action, check out our Rams-Lions player props (when they go live), our NFL betting promos!
Sam LaPorta Injury Update: Is Detroit’s Star Playing This Week?
Sam LaPorta Injury Update
The Detroit Lions got an injury scare last week versus the Minnesota Vikings. Rookie tight end Sam LaPorta suffered a knee injury in the first half and didn’t return to the game. While it’s possible the Lions were just being careful with him, since all they had to play for was an outside chance at the No. 2 seed, LaPorta’s practice participation raises some eyebrows.
LaPorta was unable to practice on either Wednesday or Thursday of this week. Then, he surprisingly logged a full session on Friday with a knee brace. He told reporters afterward that he was “optimistic” about his availability for Sunday’s game. Head coach Dan Campbell also sounded optimistic.
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“I know this, he’s gotten better every day, every day,” Campbell said, acknowledging that LaPorta was trending in the right direction. Still, he and the Lions may be just engaging in a classic bit of gamesmanship. Practice squad tight end Anthony Firkser and practice squad fullback Jason Cabinda both have been elevated, which raises some serious questions about how serious LaPorta’s return to practice was last week
Is Sam LaPorta Playing for Detroit this Week?
Even if Sam LaPorta is out there for the Detroit Lions on Sunday, I doubt he’ll be close to 100%. The sportsbooks aren’t taking action on LaPorta’s receiving yardage props, but the Lions receivers they are taking action on, like Amon-Ra St. Brown (87.5) and Jameson Williams (34.5) have totals that are in line with their typical production.
LaPorta might be active on Sunday, but if he is, I don’t expect him to play his usual workload. He is trading at odds of +110 to score a touchdown, but backup Brock Wright is trading at +300 as the books hedge their bets (and as they refuse to let us bet “no” on the anytime touchdown markets…). Don’t be surprised if Campbell intends to use LaPorta as more of a decoy than a legitimate threat.
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