Star tight end Dan Campbell claims to be “improving.”
DETROIT – Coach Dan Campbell of the Detroit Lions has provided us with an update regarding star tight end Sam LaPorta’s injury and his probable participation in this weekend’s playoff game.
Following the team’s practice on Wednesday, Campbell gave a speech as they got ready to meet the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday Night Football in the wildcard round.
Following Campbell’s discussion of the difficulties in confronting players like as Aaron Donald and Matthew Stafford, the first query concerned LaPorta’s availability.
Before the game in Week 18, when the team defeated the Minnesota Vikings, the rookie tight end had a knee injury. He remained on the pitch for several minutes before carefully making his way to the sidelines.
LaPorta did not return to the game after being wheeled into the locker room.
LaPorta has a “outside shot” to play against the Rams, according to Campbell on Tuesday. On Wednesday, he gave more potentially encouraging news.
“It’s probably best to say that he’s improving, even though I know it will come up every day,” Campbell remarked. “He was present during the walkthrough.”
That is undoubtedly encouraging. According to Campbell’s statement on Tuesday, LaPorta’s expected return is “a matter of days, not weeks.”
But Lions fans probably won’t know for sure until Friday.
“I don’t foresee us knowing anything or it feeling like we have a really good picture until probably Friday afternoon,” Campbell said. “But every day we’re going to do more with him. But he’s improving.”
Campbell said the team won’t play LaPorta just to have him out there.
“If we don’t feel like he can help us, then there’s no need of having him,” Campbell said. “I’d just say that.”
LaPorta caught 86 passes for 889 yards and 10 touchdowns this season.
