DETROIT, MICHIGAN – OCTOBER 08: Sam LaPorta #87 of the Detroit Lions celebrates after scoring a touchdown in the second quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Ford Field on October 08, 2023 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
The Detroit Lions have provided a significant injury update on rookie standout tight end Sam LaPorta ahead of Sunday’s Wild Card Round playoff game against the Los Angeles Rams.

In their updated injury report that was shared on Friday, the Lions listed the star rookie as questionable with a knee injury he suffered in the club’s Week 18 victory over the Minnesota Vikings:

LaPorta was seen practicing on Friday, so that much is encouraging for Detroit as they prepare for the franchise’s first home playoff game in 30 years:

The 23-year-old LaPorta had a phenomenal rookie year with the Lions, recording 86 receptions for 889 yards and 10 touchdowns. Only Puka Nacua of the Rams had more receptions among first-year players, and LaPorta shared the rookie lead for receiving TDs with Jordan Addison of the Vikings.

LaPorta’s breakout season helped the Lions to the franchise’s first division title since 1993, as well as the club’s first playoff berth in seven years. The 12-5 finish also marked Detroit’s first season with double-digit wins since the 2014 club that went 11-5.

There is plenty of hype around the Rams-Lions Wild Card Round tilt. Aside from the fact it’ll be Detroit’s first home playoff game in 30 years, it also marks the highly-anticipated return of Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford.

The 35-year-old played for the Lions from 2009 to 2020 before getting traded to the Rams in the 2021 offseason. Lions QB Jared Goff came over to Detroit as part of the trade, and his play has been crucial in the club’s rapid turnaround under Dan Campbell.

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