Is Sam LaPorta playing today? Lions TE's status revealed for Week 12 clash
The Detroit Lions were without tight end Sam LaPorta for their previous game against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 11 due to a shoulder injury. The Pro Bowl tight end hadn't practiced all week, so two days before the game on Friday, the team ruled him out.
The injury, which was considered day-to-day by coach Dan Campbell, was a sprained AC joint that LaPorta sustained in the second half of the team's Week 10 26-23 victory over the Houston Texans.
Ahead of their Week 12 game against the Indianapolis Colts, let's find out if Sam LaPorta will return to the field for the Lions on Sunday.
Exploring Sam LaPorta's availability status for Week 12
Sam LaPorta participated fully in Wednesday, Thursday and Friday's practice sessions for the Lions. He was left off the team's final injury report on Friday, and it appears that he will play this week on Sunday afternoon against the Indianapolis Colts.
On Friday, while commenting about LaPorta's recovery, coach Dan Campbell told reporters:
"I feel like he's trending the right way. He looks pretty good, and looks like he's got fresh legs."
A vital component of the Lions' attack, Sam LaPorta frequently plays a role that influences the game as a pass receiver and blocker. His influence at tight end gives the team's offense an element of unpredictability.
LaPorta has occasionally been a dependable target this season as a pass-catching option. He caught three passes for 66 yards and a score against the Houston Texans in his last game before the injury. The second-year tight end has caught 25 passes from 32 targets, gained 366 receiving yards and scored three touchdowns this season.
Sam LaPorta will continue being a crucial member of the Lions' offense against the Colts and for the rest of the season if he keeps up his excellent play, which could also help them fulfill their Super Bowl aspirations.
How to watch Detroit Lions vs. Indianapolis Colts in Week 12?
The Detroit Lions have not lost a game in the league since Week 2. They will be looking to keep that winning run going in Week 12 when they face an Indianapolis Colts team that will be desperate to keep its playoff hopes alive.
The Lions trounced the Jacksonville Jaguars 52-6 last week, putting on another flawless effort. They scored 50 points for the second time this season in that game, having previously scored 52 in an October matchup against the Tennessee Titans.
The Colts are second in the AFC South going into today's contest. They will be looking to keep their playoff hopes alive with a win on Sunday.
Game Details:
Date and Time: Sunday, Nov. 24, at 1 p.m. ET
Location: Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana
TV: Fox
Announcers: Kenny Albert (play-by-play), Jonathan Vilma (color analyst), Megan Olivi (sideline reporter)
Live streaming: FuboTV, DirecTV Stream, Sling TV