Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta was off to a hot start in Week 10 but left the team’s game against the Houston Texans in the second half.
Below is the latest on the second-year tight end.
What Happened to Sam LaPorta?
LaPorta injured his shoulder in the second half vs. the Texans. It’s not entirely clear what play it happened on, but his last reception before exiting the game was a 37-yarder that saw him tackled hard to the ground by Texans linebacker Henry To’o To’o.
Goff hits LaPorta for 37!#DETvsHOU | 📺 NBC pic.twitter.com/41WAZ0bJ76
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) November 11, 2024
The tight end went to the blue tent afterward, and the Lions declared him questionable to return. The good news is that LaPorta did not have to depart to the locker room and remained on the sideline in the immediate aftermath.
Sam LaPorta (shoulder) is standing on the sideline with his helmet on, hasn't gone back in yet, but still out there with the team.
— Ben Raven (@BenjaminSRaven) November 11, 2024
Fantasy Impact If Sam LaPorta Is Out
LaPorta’s role in the Lions’ offense has been significantly reduced this season. However, he was on his way to a pretty big game before going down, hauling in three passes for 66 yards and a touchdown.
If LaPorta has to miss time, Brock Wright would serve as the Lions’ primary TE, but he would not be on the fantasy radar.
In games where Jared Goff doesn’t have the worst game of his career, the Lions’ passing attack should remain effective and efficient, funneling targets to Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jahmyr Gibbs.
Jameson Williams could see a slight uptick in usage without LaPorta, but he remains a boom/bust splash-play specialist.