Detroit Lions-Rams inactives: Sam LaPorta ready to go in NFL playoff game
The Detroit Lions have seemingly dodged a major scare, and will have their All-Pro rookie tight end Sunday for the first round of the NFL playoffs.
Sam LaPorta is officially back in the lineup, providing a boost the the Lions' offense in the wild-card matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. Defensive lineman John Cominsky is also active after being listed as a healthy scratch last week and being labeled questionable during the week with an illness.
LaPorta injured his knee in the second quarter last week against the Minnesota Vikings and did not return, initially leaving his status for the playoffs in doubt at the beginning of the week.
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He was named second-team All-Pro this week and was listed as a non-participant in practices until he was a full participant Friday while being listed as questionable. LaPorta went through practice while sporting a large knee brace on his left leg on Friday.
Sam LaPorta at Lions practice today with a massive brace on his right knee. Not moving too quick, but did so this in the open portion of practice pic.twitter.com/iJo69J8LBZ
— Dave Birkett (@davebirkett) January 12, 2024
LaPorta returns to the lineup alongside tight end Brock Wright, who is active after missing the past three games with a hip injury, Reserve tight end James Mitchell will not be available after suffering a hand injury during practice which put him on injured reserve.
Safety Tracy Walker was listed as inactive despite not being on the injury report during the week. Also sitting out: receiver Kalif Raymond, cornerback Steven Gilmore, defensive lineman Charles Harris, defensive lineman Brodric Martin, linebacker Julian Okwara, and quarterback Hendon Hooker. Hooker will again serve as the team's emergency third quarterback.
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Raymond, the team's punt returner, also suffered a knee injury last Sunday against the Vikings and missed practice all week.
Mitchell (hand) and cornerback Jerry Jacobs (knee) are both out after being placed on injured reserve Saturday. James Houston remains out (ankle) after practicing during the week as he nears his return from IR.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Sam LaPorta active, will play in Detroit Lions playoff game vs. Rams
