The Detroit Lions will have their star rookie tight end available when they take the field to face the Los Angeles Rams in an highly anticipated early playoff contest.
Sam LaPorta, who was on the injury report early in the week dealing with a hyperextended knee, will be available for Dan Campbell's squad.
Detroit's second-round draft had a slightly different week of preparation than he experienced all season.
"It's certainly a little different approach to what I've had the previous 17 weeks," LaPorta told reporters this week. "I'm not out there getting as many reps as I had these past weeks. So certainly staying on top of the game planning aspect but still trying to recover my body and make it feel good and be ready for the game."
After being a full participant at practice Friday, confidence grew the ex-Hawkeyes tight end would be available for veteran signal-caller Jared Goff. He will sport a bulky knee brace on his left knee as a precautionary measure.
"I'm getting better with it. Mac (Alim McNeill) told me that same thing. At first, if you've never worn a knee brace before, it's bulky, it's kind of annoying, it clicks," LaPorta explained. "Might have to spray it with a little WD-40 to make it feel better. Certainly I've gotten used to it in the last 48, 72 hours and gonna keep working through it."
Like many of the young players on the roster, LaPorta is anticipating a festive scene at Ford Field.
"It's great. First time hosting a playoff game in 30 years here in Detroit," LaPorta said. "I know the fans are gonna be fired up. Of course, we're excited to get out there and play another opportunity and see how far we can take this thing."
Here is the updated inactives list for Detroit's Wild Card playoff matchup with Los Angeles:
- CB Steven Gilmore
- DL Charles Harris
- QB Hendon Hooker (emergency QB)
- DL Brodric Martin
- LB Julian Okwara
- WR Kalif Raymond
- S Tracy Walker
More must-reads: