After providing a positive outlook on the status of tight end Sam Laporta Monday, Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell said the rookie participated in Wednesday's walkthrough prior to practice.
There still isn't a clear decision on whether or not LaPorta will be active for Sunday's Wild Card showdown with the Los Angeles Rams. He suffered a hyperextended knee and bone bruise against Minnesota in Week 18.
Campbell added that the team plans to work with him throughout the week before making a decision Friday.
"I don't know if we're quite there yet. I think the best way to say it, because I know it will come up every day, but he's improving," Campbell explained. "He was out there at walkthrough. I don't foresee us knowing anything or feeling like we have a real good picture until probably Friday afternoon. But every day we're gonna do more with him. But he's improving."
The coach had previously said Monday that there was an "outside shot" that the rookie could play. However, he doesn't plan to utilize the pass-catcher if he is not healthy enough to be productive and help the team.
LaPorta totaled 86 receptions for 889 yards and 10 touchdowns in the regular season, which adds up to one of the best rookie campaigns in NFL history.
"If we don't feel like he can help us, then there's no need of having him," Campbell said. "I'll just say that."
Notes
1.) Lions linebacker and core special teamer Jalen Reeves-Maybin was voted an All-Pro selection by the NFLPA. The results were announced Wednesday. The veteran was also named a Pro Bowl selection earlier this month.
The NFLPA debuted their All-Pro list in 2023 and Reeves-Maybin is the first Lion to be voted for the honor.
The Tennessee product has spent six of his seven NFL seasons with the Lions, returning to Detroit last offseason after spending the 2022 season with the Houston Texans.
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