Dan Campbell of the Lions provides an encouraging injury update, adding that Sam LaPorta has a chance to play.
Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell expressed optimism about the team’s injury condition before of Sunday’s playoff game against the Los Angeles Rams, including the possibility of tight end Sam LaPorta playing.
“Look, LaPorta now has an outside shot,” Campbell stated on Monday. “Within 48 hours, we’ll know a lot about him.” However, he has a chance.”
LaPorta suffered his injury in the second half of Sunday’s game against the Minnesota Vikings, when his knee buckled sideways after making a third-down grab. He needed to be helped off the field prior to getting carted to the locker room. The initial prognosis from Campbell was the injury wasn’t as bad as it looked, but the implication was LaPorta likely would miss some time.
And although that may still be the case, Campbell stated on Monday that the recovery timeframe for both LaPorta and wide receiver Kalif Raymond, who both suffered knee injuries, is better defined in days rather than weeks.
In addition to those two players, Campbell stated that both Jameson Williams (ankle) and tight end Brock Wright (hip) are expected to return to practice on Wednesday. Williams was injured against the Vikings, and Wright has been out for three games in a row.
With Wright’s pending return to practice, plus the positive outlook with LaPorta — whether he can go or not this week — Campbell said he’s not anticipating the team making any additions at tight end this week.
“No, I think we’ll be all right,” Campbell said. “I know (general manager) Brad (Holmes) has got his eyes opened. He’s constantly looking to see if there’s somewhere (he) can help us.”
The only player Campbell provided a negative report on was defensive end James Houston, who is still recovering from a fractured ankle suffered in Week 2.
“Look, Houston will be out there practicing,” Campbell said. “We’ll see what happens.” He’ll be better than he was the previous week. How much does that cost? How effective will that be? I’m not sure. “I’m not so sure about him.”
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