Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta has been removed from the injury list and is expected to play against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 12, according to Tom Pelissero.
LaPorta is slated to return Sunday when the Lions visit the Colts, starting a stretch of three games within 12 days.
Lions head coach Dan Campbell provided a positive update on LaPorta’s recovery, stating Friday, “He’s been good…Here we go, two days in and I feel like he’s trending the right way. So he looks pretty good, looks like he’s got fresh legs so that’s good.”
LaPorta sat out last week’s victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars due to a shoulder injury sustained in the Lions’ November 10 win over the Houston Texans. After participating in a walk-through on Wednesday and practicing fully on Thursday, LaPorta appears ready to return.
Drafted in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft (34th overall), LaPorta has made an immediate impact with his reliable hands, polished route-running, and mismatch potential in the passing game. His size, athleticism, and versatility have quickly made him a vital component of Detroit’s offense.
In his rookie year, LaPorta earned second-team All-Pro honors and a Pro Bowl selection. He set the NFL record for most receptions by a rookie tight end and broke multiple franchise records for receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns by a tight end, establishing himself as a standout young talent.
The Lions boast a 9-1 record, making it crucial to maintain their momentum. In Week 11, Detroit handed the Jaguars their worst loss in franchise history, surpassing a 44-point defeat from 1995.
Following their NFC Championship loss to the San Francisco 49ers last season, the Lions have emerged as an NFC powerhouse in 2024.
Detroit is currently on an eight-game winning streak, their longest in a single season since 1934. Next, they face the Colts, Bears, and Packers in three winnable matchups, reinforcing their status as NFC contenders.
