SAD NEWS: Detroit Lions Coach Gives Update on TE’s ‘Awful’ Injury

The Detroit Lions are preparing to host their first postseason game in thirty years, but they may not be able to field one of their best offensive players. Against the Minnesota Vikings in the team’s season-ending game, tight end Sam LaPorta suffered a knee injury. After the game, Lions coach Dan Campbell spoke with reporters, but he did not provide a positive update.

It’s not as bad as it looked, but it’s not good news,” Campbell said, per the Associated Press. “We’ll know more (Monday). I know it looked awful.” On Monday, Campbell spoke to reporters again and did not offer a specific diagnosis of LaPorta’s knee. But he did say it’s possible LaPorta could play in the playoff game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday night.

“LaPorta’s got an outside shot now, so we’ll see,” Campbell said, per the Detroit Free Press. “In 48 hours, we’re going to know a lot about him, but he’s got an outside shot.”  LaPorta was selected by the Lions in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft. He had a strong rookie season, catching 86 passes for 889 yards and 10 touchdowns, which led the league for tight ends. LaPorta was named to the Pro Bowl and earned multiple NFL records, including the most receptions by a rookie tight end in a single season (86) and the most receptions by a tight end in their first four career games (22).

LaPorta said to Dan Miller of Fox 2 in November that “the Lions] didn’t really allow me to be a rookie,” according to Heavy. “Right away, they kinda just threw me into the fire, which is a good thing for the team and for my own individual performance.” LaPorta also discussed moving past early achievements. “In football, it’s always the next play,” he stated. It truly only has an impact on your future playing if you become overly fixated on your past efforts, whether they were excellent or awful. Although acknowledging those facts and figures is wonderful, you kind of have to move on fast.”

For the first time since 2016, the Lions have secured a postseason berth. For the first time since 1993—during the heyday of renowned running back Barry Sanders—they had won the division.